Our Team

Karen Kelsay, a six-time Pushcart Prize nominee and founder of Kelsay Books, brings an unmatched depth of industry expertise to her role as Editor-in-Chief. With an extensive background as a professional buyer and distributor, and a prolific personal portfolio featuring work in over 300 literary journals, Karen blends high-level commercial insight with a deep respect for the poet’s craft. Far from a solo endeavor, she leads a robust team of eight specialists, together forming a team of nine, that has curated over 1,500 titles since 2012. This collaborative powerhouse provides the professional infrastructure of a major house while maintaining the boutique touch of a craft-focused press—a commitment to excellence reflected in their numerous Eric Hoffer cover design awards and consistently glowing author testimonials.

 

Shay Culligan, Book Cover Designer

Originally from Ireland, Shay brings over 40 years of elite publishing expertise to Kelsay Books, including an 18-year tenure as a cover designer for Pearson Education. A graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art, Shay ensures each title receives a high-impact visual identity that stands out in the global marketplace. His work has consistently earned prestigious industry recognition, particularly through the Eric Hoffer Book Awards, where his designs have secured the da Vinci Eye Award for covers such as Kneeling Under the Lemon Tree. His most recent accolades include being named a 2025 da Vinci Eye Finalist for the cover of The Most Kissed Woman in the World, further solidifying his role in the Kelsay Books’ commitment to top-notch production quality. 

 

Jenna V. Wray, Project Manager & Editor

Since 2018, Jenna has been a cornerstone of the Kelsay Books production workflow. A graduate of the University of Evansville with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, she is a versatile force within our team of nine, managing everything from manuscript editing and professional layouts to billing and staff training. Beyond her role at the press, Jenna serves as Editor of The Orchards Poetry Journal, where her keen eye for craft helps maintain our sister publication’s elite standards. By coordinating the complex journey from acceptance to final publication, Jenna ensures that our high annual release volume never compromises the rigorous, award-winning quality our authors expect. She has 100+ bylines in literary magazines and national lab publications.

 

Delisa Hargrove, Assistant Project Manager

Delisa joined Kelsay Books in February 2020 and is a vital part of our team of nine. A graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in English, she brings a deep-seated passion for the “power and magic of words” to our specialized production workflow. Delisa frequently dives into 19th-century dictionaries and etymological works to ensure the highest editorial precision. She celebrates every step of the creative process as she helps poets’ endeavors bear fruit. A true wanderer at heart who has lived in 65 different locations, she currently operates from Texas, where she provides essential support to both our authors and her family.

 

Carol Lynn Stevenson Grellas, Copy Editor

A thirteen-time Pushcart Prize nominee and graduate of the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA program, Carol Lynn is an accomplished formalist poet and a vital member of our team of nine. Serving as a copy editor for Kelsay Books and our sister publication, The Orchards Poetry Journal, she leverages her mastery of form to curate and select work from hundreds of annual submissions. Her distinguished background—including being shortlisted for the Eric Hoffer Grand Prize—ensures that every manuscript meets our high standards for craftsmanship and voice. Far from a solo operation, Carol Lynn’s professional insight is a cornerstone of the specialized infrastructure that defines Kelsay Books.

 

Bayleigh Mayhak, Copy Editor

Bayleigh brings technical precision to Kelsay Books, ensuring editorial and aesthetic excellence across our diverse catalog. A 2020 graduate of the University of Evansville with degrees in creative writing and music, she manages a specialized workflow that encompasses meticulous manuscript editing and professional interior layout. By bridging the gap between an author’s vision and a polished final product, Bayleigh ensures every title meets the high standards of our press.

 

Olivia Loftis, Social Media Coordinator

Olivia Loftis leverages her degree from Emerson College to drive strategic digital growth for Kelsay Books. She manages author outreach, curates the company blog, and provides the final editorial touch to ensure every title resonates with its intended audience. A key pillar of our specialized workflow, Olivia is responsible for assigning calendar timelines and coordinating client contracts, ensuring the path from manuscript to publication is seamless.

 

 

Sam Fowler, Assistant Reader

Drawing on her editorial background as Co-Founder and Head Editor of Mania Magazine, Sam helps Karen evaluate new submissions at Kelsay Books. A graduate of the University of Evansville with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, she plays a critical role in curating the high-caliber poetry and fiction that defines our annual catalog. In addition to ensuring every manuscript receives a professional and thoughtful review, Sam brings her technical eye to our production process by handling book layouts. Her expertise extends to our sister publication, The Orchards Poetry Journal, where she serves as an Assistant Editor, evaluating poetry to maintain the journal’s elite literary standards. Sam has been published most recently in Gyroscope Review and Earworms Mag.