Ian Cameron Esslemont is a Canadian writer. He was trained and has worked as an archaeologist.

With his friend Steven Erikson, Esslemont co-created the world featured in Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen epic fantasy series, in which his first novel, Night of Knives (2005), is set. The first of a projected six novel series, Night of Knives is to be followed by Return of the Crimson Guard, scheduled to be published by Bantam UK in 2008.

He currently lives in Alaska with his wife, novelist Gerri Brightwell, and three sons.