She is the author of four published books, including national bestsellers Factory Man (2014) and Dopesick (2018).

[4][5] She was the first in her family to attend college, receiving a bachelor's degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University in 1986.

[7] She writes essays and op-eds for The New York Times as well as magazines, radio and online journals.

[8] Her 2018 book, Dopesick, was shortlisted for the 2019 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction.

[9] In June 2020, Hulu gave a limited series order for a new original production consisting of eight episodes based on Macy's book, Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America.