Garth Nix, born July 19, 1963, is an Australian author primarily recognized for his children's and young adult fantasy novels. His most famous works include the Old Kingdom, Seventh Tower, and Keys to the Kingdom series. Despite his fantastical pen name, Nix has confirmed it is his actual given name. He pursued a career in writing after attending the University of Canberra and working in various roles within the publishing industry, including sales, publicity, and senior editing. His professional journey also involved marketing consultancy and a period as a literary agent before he dedicated himself to full-time authorship.

Beyond his acclaimed fantasy series, Nix has contributed to the role-playing game field, writing scenarios for games like Dungeons & Dragons, and has also written on topics related to information technology. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours. Nix currently resides in Sydney with his wife, Anna McFarlane, who is also a publisher, and their two sons.

Garth Nix has established a significant presence in the fantasy genre, particularly with his young adult and children's literature. His most celebrated contribution is the Old Kingdom series, which explores intricate magical systems and complex world-building. Other notable series include The Seventh Tower and The Keys to the Kingdom, showcasing his versatility in creating distinct fantastical realms. Nix's work often delves into themes of destiny, magic, and the transition from childhood to adulthood, resonating with young readers. His narrative style is characterized by imaginative concepts and engaging plots, making his books popular within the speculative fiction community.

Nix's path to becoming a full-time author was multifaceted, involving extensive experience in the publishing industry. Before dedicating himself to writing, he held positions as a sales representative, publicist, and senior editor at HarperCollins. He also founded his own marketing consultancy firm, Gotley Nix Evans Pty Ltd, and worked as a literary agent. This diverse background likely informed his understanding of the literary market and storytelling craft. Additionally, Nix has applied his writing skills to other fields, contributing scenarios for role-playing games and writing articles for information technology publications, demonstrating a broad range of interests and expertise.

“I guess people ask me because it sounds like the perfect name for a writer of fantasy. However, it is my real name.”