"Carolyn Keene" is a pseudonym that encompasses the collective talents of multiple authors behind the iconic Nancy Drew mystery stories, as well as The Dana Girls mystery stories, both of which were produced by the Stratemeyer Syndicate. The name has also been associated with the Nancy Drew spin-off series, River Heights, and the Nancy Drew Notebooks.

Edward Stratemeyer, the founder of the Stratemeyer Syndicate, initiated the tradition by hiring writers such as Mildred Wirt (later Mildred Benson) as the initial authors under this pen name. These authors were compensated with a flat rate for their manuscripts and were required to relinquish all rights to their work under a strict confidentiality agreement. Benson is recognized as the primary voice behind many of the Nancy Drew books, contributing significantly to the character's enduring appeal.

Over the years, an array of ghostwriters, including Harriet Adams (Stratemeyer's daughter), Leslie McFarlane, James Duncan Lawrence, Walter Karig, and many others, have also contributed to the series under the Carolyn Keene moniker. This collaborative approach has allowed Nancy Drew to remain a beloved character among readers of all ages. In 1985, the Stratemeyer Syndicate was acquired by publishers Simon & Schuster, marking a new chapter in the publication of the Nancy Drew series, now managed by Mega-Books, a New York book packager.