5 Famous Authors Who Grew Their Careers as Freelance Writers

“I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word,” wrote Emily Dickinson, 19th century poet and one of the most recognizable writers in history. Dickinson’s words encapsulate the influence that storytellers have had on society for millennia and continue to wield today.

A storyteller’s path is as varied as the content they create, as you’ll note in the brief histories of the five women listed in this article. Aside from their positive influence on the world, one commonality that they all share is freelance writing. From freelance journalism to freelance business copywriting, these icons were all gig workers before they made it big in the literary world and beyond.

Whether freelancing is part of a temporary or supplemental path to a more traditional role, or the end goal for a life free from the proverbial punching of a clock, these five women are powerful inspiration for those of us familiar with a project-to-project lifestyle.

If you’re a freelance writer or aspire to be one, take comfort that these inspiring, inspiring women creators once walked a similar career path.

1. Isabelle Allende

“Write what should not be forgotten.” – Isabelle Allende

Isabelle Allende, considered the “first internationally successful female Latin American author” is well-known for perfecting the genre of magical realism in novels including The House of the Spirits and The City of the Beasts.

Allende was a freelance journalist for Venezuelan news outlet El Nacional from 1976 – 1983 and then went on to become a celebrated novelist.

2. Maya Angelou

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” – Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou, celebrated poet, memoirist, playwright, and civil rights activist, authored over 30 best-selling titles including her renowned 1969 autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”.

During the 1960s, Angelou was a freelance writer for the Ghanaian news outlet, Ghanaian Times, and throughout her career was also an editor, singer, actor, director, and professor. In 2022, the U.S. Mint began distributing the Maya Angelou quarter, the first US coin to honor a Black woman.

3. Liane Moriarty

“Once you have your book written, don’t read your reviews.” – Liane Moriarty

Liane Moriarty, famed author of New York Times Best Selling novels including Big Little Lies, began her career in marketing and advertising and went on to become a freelance copywriter for “everything from websites and TV commercials to the back of the Sultana Bran box” according to her website.

While pursuing her master’s degree, Moriarty wrote her first novel, Three Wishes, which kicked off her career as an internationally renowned novelist. Her titles have also gone on to become television series for HBO and Hulu.

4. Gloria Steinem

“Writing is the only thing that when I do it, I don't feel I should be doing something else.” – Gloria Steinem

A legend and trailblazer for women’s rights, Gloria Steinem began her career as a freelance journalist in the late 1950s. She later went on to help found New York magazine, Ms. Magazine, and numerous organizations and efforts geared toward women’s equality and feminism including “Take Our Daughters to Work Day.”

An award-winning author and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Steinem is widely recognized as a leader of the feminist movement beginning in the 1960s and continues to be a strong and influential advocate for women’s rights.

5. Amy Tan

“Writing is an extreme privilege but it's also a gift. It's a gift to yourself and it's a gift of giving a story to someone.” – Amy Tan

In the early 1980s, before she was a renowned and award-winning novelist, including titles like The Joy Luck Club and The Bonesetter’s Daughter, Amy Tan was a freelance business copywriter and technical writer. Though she was largely successful, she soon left the business world to pursue her passion in creative writing. Each of her novels are New York Times Best Sellers, with The Joy Luck Club spending 40 weeks on the list.

Tan is also the recipient of numerous awards including the 2021 National Humanities Medal “for expanding the American literary canon. By bravely exploring experiences of immigrant families, heritage, memories, and poignant struggles.”

According to Psychology Today, “The process of writing liberates our ideas, taking them from internal dialogues to a public forum.” It’s no wonder, then, that many of the world’s most prominent writers – including freelancers – have impacted society in major ways through various forms of media including newspaper articles, novels, plays, and countless other forms of content.