Michael Newton (1951–2021) was an American writer and journalist known for his prolific output, which included 357 published books. His career spanned various roles, from high school teacher and bodyguard to ghostwriter and independent author. Newton's bibliography is diverse, featuring numerous novels, often published under pseudonyms, alongside a significant number of non-fiction works.

His non-fiction writing delved into several specific areas. He authored multiple reference works concerning serial killers, drawing from extensive research including interviews and official records. Additionally, Newton produced several books examining the history and activities of the Ku Klux Klan, with one work on the KKK in Florida receiving academic acclaim and an award. He also authored an Encyclopedia of Cryptozoology, which was recognized for its comprehensive nature.

Born in Bakersfield, California, Michael Newton pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree from California State College in 1973 and undertaking graduate studies there before transferring to the University of Nevada. His early professional life included a period as a high school teacher, followed by work as a bodyguard. He eventually transitioned into journalism and then dedicated himself to writing.

Newton's writing career began as a ghostwriter for "The Executioner" series. He went on to publish a vast number of books, with a significant portion being novels, many of which were released under various pseudonyms to cater to different markets. His non-fiction output primarily consisted of reference books.

A notable area of Newton's non-fiction work involved serial killers, a subject he became interested in during his youth. His research for encyclopedias on this topic involved meticulous study of police reports, newspapers, and court records, and he even conducted interviews with some serial killers. He also dedicated considerable effort to researching and writing about the Ku Klux Klan, producing several detailed historical accounts. His book "The Invisible Empire: The Ku Klux Klan in Florida" garnered positive academic attention and an award from the Florida Historical Society.

Newton also made significant contributions to the study of cryptozoology, authoring "Newton's Encyclopedia of Cryptozoology." This comprehensive work, featuring thousands of entries, was recognized with an award for Outstanding Reference Work from the American Library Association. It was also positively reviewed as both an engaging read and a valuable resource for the subject.