Malinda Lo is an acclaimed American writer, known for her compelling works in young adult fiction, fantasy, and science fiction. She has made a significant mark on the literary world with her novels such as Ash, Huntress, Adaptation, Inheritance, A Line in the Dark, and Last Night at the Telegraph Club. Beyond her fiction, Malinda engages in research on diversity within young adult literature and the publishing industry.

Her debut novel Ash, a Sapphic retelling of Cinderella, was met with critical acclaim and was a finalist for several prestigious awards, including the William C. Morris YA Debut Award, the Andre Norton Award for YA Science Fiction and Fantasy, and the Lambda Literary Award. Last Night at the Telegraph Club, one of her most celebrated works, not only captivated readers but also earned the National Book Award, the Stonewall Book Award, and the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, along with Michael L. Printz and Walter Dean Myers honors. This novel was also a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize.

Malinda's contributions to literature have been recognized with 15 starred reviews and multiple award nominations, highlighting her status as a New York Times bestselling author. Her work has been celebrated for its impact on best-of lists such as the American Library Association’s Best Fiction for Young Adults, the ALA’s Rainbow List, and more. Furthermore, Malinda's short fiction and nonfiction have been featured in esteemed publications like The New York Times, NPR, and Autostraddle.

Born in Guangzhou, China, Malinda immigrated to the United States during her childhood and grew up near Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Wellesley College and Harvard University, and a master’s degree in cultural anthropology from Stanford University. Prior to her literary career, she contributed to LGBT media and was recognized with the Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for Excellence in LGBT Journalism. Malinda Lo currently resides in Massachusetts with her wife and their dog, continuing to inspire through her writing and advocacy.