Author Insider is a weekly newsletter and community for nonfiction writers who want to level up their careers. Each week, we host candid, live AMAs with bestselling authors and publishing pros, plus deliver practical resources designed to help you thrive in today’s book industry.
We invite top authors and industry experts to share their hard-won wisdom and lead in-depth workshops on everything from planning a successful book tour to crafting an effective social media strategy. As a member, you’ll gain access to exclusive live AMAs, case studies, advance copies of upcoming releases, networking opportunities with fellow authors, and direct access to the Next Big Idea Club editorial team.
If you’re ready to move from midlist to bestseller, we’ve got the playbook—and the people—to help you make the leap.
Who’s behind this?
Author Insider is powered by the Next Big Idea Club, a nonfiction book subscription service curated by renowned authors Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, Adam Grant, and Daniel Pink. The editorial team is led by publishing veteran and Next Big Idea Club editorial director
.In addition to our book club, we also have two podcasts, The Next Big Idea and The Next Big Idea Daily; a daily newsletter, Book of the Day; and an app that features more than 1,000 book summaries written and read by the authors themselves.
Is this only for experienced authors?
Author Insider serves writers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're working on your first book proposal or you’re a seasoned bestseller, our insights will help you navigate publishing’s ever-changing landscape.
Who are some of Author Insider’s past guests?
Daniel Pink, bestselling author of Drive
Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author of The Happiness Project and host of the chart-topping Happier podcast
Strategies for developing a powerful multi-channel content strategy.
Steven Johnson, bestselling author and editorial director of Google’s NotebookLM
A step-by-step workshop on how to use AI to write more efficiently.
Morgan Housel, bestselling author of The Psychology of Money
Susan Cain, bestselling author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
How to write deeply fulfilling work that also succeeds commercially
Christy Fletcher, co-head of publishing at United Talent Agency (UTA)
Seth Godin, bestselling author and marketing visionary
Powerful, practical advice for nonfiction writers on how to navigate a noisy, AI-disrupted world.
Jacob Weisberg, ex-editor of Slate and co-founder of Pushkin Industries
Invaluable insights on podcasting's sustainable, author-driven future.
Cal Newport, bestselling author of Deep Work and Slow Productivity
How to build a thriving author platform with zero social media presence.
Sarah Fay, creator of Substack Writers at Work and bestselling author of Pathological.
A step-by-step guide to turning your Substack subscribers into book buyers.
What are some upcoming events?
📅 Thursday, August 14th, at 12 p.m. ET
How to Build a Speaking Career with David Burkus
David Burkus is a bestselling author and one of the world’s top business thinkers, with clients including NASA, Fidelity, and PepsiCo. In this tactical session, he’ll walk you through how to turn your ideas into a speaking career—complete with step-by-step strategy and practical advice you can use right away.
📅 Thursday, September 4th, at 12 p.m. ET
Katy Milkman: From Academia to Bestseller
Wharton professor. Behavioral scientist. Author of How to Change. Katy Milkman has built a rare career at the intersection of research and real-world impact. In this live AMA, she’ll share how she made the leap from academic to bestselling author—and how she balances writing, speaking, publicity, and publishing while still doing the work that matters most. Whether you’re an academic or just habit-obsessed, bring your questions and get the inside scoop.
📅 Thursday, September 25th, at 12 p.m. ET
AMA with Charles Duhigg
The Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter and author (The Power of Habit, Smarter Faster Better, Supercommunicators) has shaped how millions think about behavior, productivity, and communication. Now he’s joining Author Insider for a live AMA to answer your questions about writing, research, idea development, and building a bestselling career.
📅 Date TBD
Steven Johnson and Ethan Mollick: How AI Will Transform Writing and Reading
What happens when two of the smartest minds in tech and storytelling team up to talk AI? Join bestselling author Steven Johnson and Wharton professor Ethan Mollick for a provocative conversation on how generative AI is reshaping what it means to write, read, and connect with ideas.
Pricing
Free
Occasional posts with curated insights and resources
Stay in the loop on public events and featured guest highlights
Paid
$30/month or $295/year
Everything in the free plan, plus:
Live, members-only AMAs (Ask Me Anything) with bestselling authors and publishing insiders
Deep-dive workshops on topics like AI tools, Substack growth, book marketing, and more
Case studies from successful authors, with behind-the-scenes strategies you can apply
Full access to event replays — revisit your favorite sessions anytime
Curated networking opportunities through virtual meetups and member-only events
Founding Member
$995/year
Everything in the paid plan, plus:
Complimentary advance copies of forthcoming books by fellow Author Insider members
Priority RSVPs and VIP invites to live, in-person gatherings
1:1 access to the editorial team at The Next Big Idea Club to discuss your book, platform, or publishing strategy
First dibs on limited-attendance workshops, hot-seat coaching, and author intensives
Guest spot eligibility — potential to be featured in Author Insider events, newsletters, or interviews
Sponsorship opportunities
Ready to reach 90,000+ curious readers? Promote your brand, book, or product to an audience passionate about big ideas. Our subscribers: 65% executives and senior managers | $150K+ avg. household income. Align your brand with forward-thinking ideas and gain visibility with a highly receptive demographic. We offer several promotional packages to align with your budget with special discounts for our Author Insider members.
