Stephen Edwin King is an American author renowned for his horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, crime, science-fiction, and fantasy novels. His books have sold more than 350 million copies, and many have been adapted into films, television series, miniseries, and comic books. King has published 63 novels, including seven under the pen name Richard Bachman, and five non-fiction books. He has also written approximately 200 short stories, most of which have been published in book collections.

King has received numerous awards, including the Bram Stoker Awards, World Fantasy Awards, and British Fantasy Society Awards. In 2003, the National Book Foundation awarded him the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. He has also received the 2004 World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement and the 2007 Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America. In 2015, the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts awarded him the National Medal of Arts for his contributions to literature.

He has been described as the "King of Horror", a play on his surname and a reference to his high standing in pop culture. His notable works include Carrie (1974), The Shining (1980), and The Shawshank Redemption (1994), among others. His work often explores themes of childhood, racism, and war, providing a realistic portrait of American society.

Stephen King is also known for writing under the pseudonyms Richard Bachman, John Swithen, and Beryl Evans. He has collaborated with other authors, including Peter Straub and his sons, Joe Hill and Owen King.