Jack Warner Schaefer was an American writer renowned for his Western novels. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of an attorney. Schaefer graduated from Oberlin College in 1929 with a major in English and attended graduate school at Columbia University from 1929 to 1930, although he left without completing his Master of Arts degree. Subsequently, he worked for the United Press and held editorial positions at various eastern publications during his long career as a journalist.

Schaefer gained first success as a novelist in 1949 with his memorable novel Shane, set in Wyoming. Despite having never been to the west himself, he continued to write successful westerns. In 1955, he sold his home in Connecticut and relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 1975, Schaefer received the Western Literature Award for his outstanding contributions to the genre.