Jo Clayton (1939–1998) was a prolific American author of science fiction and fantasy, best known for her richly imagined worlds and strong female protagonists. Born Patricia Jo Clayton in Modesto, California, she began her career as a schoolteacher before turning to writing full-time in the late 1970s.

Her breakout came with Diadem from the Stars (1977), launching a long-running series that blended space opera with mystical elements. Over her career, she wrote 35 novels and numerous short stories, including the Skeen, Soul Drinker, Duel of Sorcery, and Drums of Chaos series. Her work often explored themes of identity, power, and transformation, set against exotic, vividly detailed backdrops.