Sharyn McCrumb is an American writer born on February 26, 1948. She is best known for her books that celebrate the history and folklore of Appalachia. McCrumb is the winner of numerous literary awards and the author of several series, including the Elizabeth McPherson mystery series, the Ballad series, and the St. Dale series.

Her Appalachian "Ballad" novels, such as the New York Times bestsellers The Ballad of Tom Dooley, The Ballad of Frankie Silver, and The Songcatcher, have garnered critical acclaim. Her novel Ghost Riders won the Wilma Dykeman Award for Literature from the East Tennessee Historical Society and the national Audie Award for Best Recorded Books.

Sharyn McCrumb has been recognized as a Virginia Woman of History by the Library of Virginia and a Woman of the Arts by the national Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also awarded the Mary Hobson Prize for her contributions to literature.