11 Best Female Authors of All Time in 2025

Exploring the best female authors of all time! Discover engaging tales by incredible women who transformed literature and inspired readers.
To Kill a Mockingbird coverPride and Prejudice cover

Exploring the literary treasures penned by the best female authors of all time feels like embarking on an epic adventure. We focus on stories that tug at your heartstrings, characters who spring to life, and worlds that captivate your imagination. Our curated list pays tribute to 11 phenomenal books that have earned their spot through sheer brilliance, impact, and storytelling prowess. Without revealing too much too soon, let’s just say these books have shaped how we view literature and continue to inspire generations of readers. So, grab a cozy seat and prepare to dive into works by the best female authors of all time.

On this list:

11 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1960
  • Pages: 281

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To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic by one of the best female authors of all time, Harper Lee. It’s a tale of justice and equality, wrapped in an unforgettable story. I remember reading it in high school and being amazed at how powerful words could be.

10 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice cover

  • Genre: Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1813
  • Pages: 279

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This book is like a rom-com set in Regency England. Jane Austen knows how to make us laugh and think, proving she’s one of the best female authors of all time. Reading this felt like watching a timeless love story with all the wit and charm you could ask for.

9 The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

  • Genre: Dystopian
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1985
  • Pages: 311

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Margaret Atwood imagines a future that’s scary yet captivating. Her storytelling skills make this a must-read. It’s like watching a drama series that keeps you on edge, and Atwood shows why she’s among the best female authors of all time.

8 Beloved by Toni Morrison

Beloved cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1987
  • Pages: 324

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Beloved is a deep dive into history and emotion. Toni Morrison won the Pulitzer Prize for this one, and it’s clear why. Her prose is beautiful and haunting, making her one of the best female authors of all time.

7 The Color Purple by Alice Walker

The Color Purple cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1982
  • Pages: 288

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Alice Walker crafts a heartfelt story of courage and friendship. It’s like sitting with a friend who tells a story that stays with you long after. Walker’s storytelling cements her as one of the best female authors of all time.

6 Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Frankenstein cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1818
  • Pages: 280

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Mary Shelley gives us a Gothic horror masterpiece. Reading this book felt like watching an old monster movie with all the suspense and thrills. Shelley truly stands out as one of the best female authors of all time.

5 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1868
  • Pages: 759 (both parts)

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Little Women is a warm tale of sisterhood and dreams. Louisa May Alcott weaves an engaging story that feels like family, making her one of the best female authors of all time. The book left me with a cozy feeling, just like home.

4 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1847
  • Pages: 532

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Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre is an intense love story full of mystery. Reading it felt like watching a drama unfold, making Brontë one of the best female authors of all time.

3 The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

The Bell Jar cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1963
  • Pages: 244

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Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar is a deep dive into the human mind. Her ability to translate emotion into words is unmatched, proving she’s one of the best female authors of all time.

2 Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Wuthering Heights cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1847
  • Pages: 416

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Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is a love story full of passion and revenge. It feels like an emotional rollercoaster, showcasing Brontë as one of the best female authors of all time.

1 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1997
  • Pages: 309

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J.K. Rowling created a magical world that captured hearts worldwide. This book is the best because it transports you to a place filled with wonder and adventure. The story perfectly blends magic, friendship, and courage, making it a timeless classic. We have never read a book that engages both young and adult audiences alike so well. Rowling’s unique ability to create and develop such a detailed world with beloved characters proves her reign as one of the best female authors of all time. The impact of this book on readers’ imaginations and its global influence is why it tops our list.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!