Stephen Edwin King is an American author renowned for his work in horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, crime, science-fiction, and fantasy novels. His literary contributions have sold more than 350 million copies globally, with numerous adaptations 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, alongside approximately 200 short stories, most collected in book compilations.

King's first major success came with his debut novel, Carrie (1974), firmly establishing him in the horror genre. His subsequent work, Different Seasons (1982), a collection of four novellas, marked a significant departure from strictly horror narratives. Noteworthy adaptations from King's bibliography include Carrie, Christine, The Shining, The Dead Zone, Stand by Me, Misery, Dolores Claiborne, The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and It, showcasing the breadth of his influence in popular culture.

King has been honored with Bram Stoker Awards, World Fantasy Awards, British Fantasy Society Awards, and several accolades for his overall contributions to literature, including the 2003 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, the 2004 World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement, the 2007 Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America, and the 2015 National Medal of Arts from the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts. He is affectionately known as the "King of Horror", a nickname that plays on his surname and his esteemed status in the literary world.

Despite facing criticism for being a "commercial" author with a supposedly "non-literary" style and for the extended length of some of his novels, King's knack for storytelling, vibrant characters, and ability to engage with readers' fears have earned him praise. His works frequently explore themes such as childhood, racism, and war, offering a starkly realistic portrayal of American society. His novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption was the basis for the film The Shawshank Redemption, highly rated on IMDb and voted the greatest movie of all time by Empire magazine in 2006.

King's personal life is also of note, married to writer and activist Tabitha King since 1971, with whom he has three children: Naomi Rachel, Joe, and Owen. Many of his stories are set in his native Maine, using fictional locations like Castle Rock, Jerusalem's Lot, and Derry to tell his tales.