The world 's first full - time copywriter , he worked for the department stores Lord & Taylor and Wanamaker 's before becoming a freelancer in 1886 .
John E. Powers ( 1837 -- 1919 ) was a highly influential American copywriter .
The world 's first full - time copywriter , John E. Powers worked for the department stores Lord & Taylor and Wanamaker 's before becoming a freelancer in 1886 .
John E. Powers ( 1837 -- 1919 ) was a highly influential American copywriter .