The Book of Love, released in 2024, marked the first novel published by Kelly Link. Born in Miami in 1969, she established a career as a writer, editor, and publisher. Her body of work spans science fiction, horror, and fantasy, often incorporating elements of magical realism and slipstream into short story collections and anthologies.
Academic and Formative Years
Link attended Greensboro Day School before moving on to higher education. She earned degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Columbia University. Her technical development included attendance at the 1995 Clarion East Writing Workshop. Over her career, she held teaching positions at institutions including Smith College, where she served as the Elizabeth Drew Professor of English Language and Literature, as well as Bard College, Cleveland State University, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
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In partnership with Gavin Grant, Link manages Small Beer Press, a Northampton, Massachusetts-based publisher. The pair operates the imprint Big Mouth House, intended for intermediate readers, and co-edits the zine Lady Churchill's Rosebud Wristlet. Between 2004 and 2008, she collaborated with Grant and Ellen Datlow to co-edit the anthology series The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror for St. Martin's Press. In 2019, Link and Grant opened Book Moon, an independent bookstore in Easthampton.
Recognition and Awards
Link has received numerous honors for her writing and editorial efforts. These include a 2018 MacArthur Fellowship and an honorary degree from Smith College, awarded in 2023. Her literary awards consist of multiple Nebula Awards for Best Novelette, the Bram Stoker Award for Best Anthology in 2004, the Locus Award for Best Collection in 2006, the Locus Award for Best Novella in 2009, the O. Henry Award in 2013, and the World Fantasy Award for Best Anthology in 2015. Additionally, she received the Theodore Sturgeon Award in 2016.
Fast facts
- Born: 1969, Miami
- Citizenship: United States
- First Novel: The Book of Love (2024)
- Notable Recognition: 2018 MacArthur Fellowship
- Publishing Venture: Small Beer Press
- Language: American English
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of Kelly Link's fiction?
Her work combines science fiction, fantasy, horror, and literary fiction, often categorized as slipstream or magical realism.
Did Kelly Link hold any academic titles?
Yes, she served as the Elizabeth Drew Professor of English Language and Literature at Smith College.
Achievements
- Hugo Award for Best Novelette — 2005
- Nebula Award for Best Novella — 2006
- Nebula Award for Best Novelette — 2002
- Genres: fantasy and horror literature
