Author Insider is a weekly newsletter and members-only community for nonfiction writers who want to level up their careers.

Each week, we bring you insider strategies from bestselling authors and publishing pros—delivered through candid, live AMAs, deep-dive workshops, and practical resources designed to help you thrive in today’s book industry.

As a paid member, you’ll unlock:

  • 🎤 Exclusive Live AMAs with world-class authors and industry insiders

  • Highlight posts & summaries that distill every event into actionable insights

  • 📚 Full replay library & archive of past AMAs, interviews, and workshops

  • 🔎 Case studies & deep dives into how successful authors build sustainable platforms

  • 🚀 Founding member perks like advance copies, VIP invitations, and direct access to the Next Big Idea Club editorial team

Free subscribers get occasional curated posts and event updates. But the full Author Insider experience—including participation in live AMAs and access to all takeaways—is reserved for members.

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 NBIC editorial director

, with contributions from leading voices in books, media, and publishing.

Alongside Author Insider, the Next Big Idea Club also produces two podcasts (The Next Big Idea and The Next Big Idea Daily), a daily newsletter (Book of the Day), and an app featuring more than 1,000 book summaries written and read by the authors themselves.

Is this only for experienced authors?

Not at all. Author Insider serves nonfiction writers at every stage—whether you’re drafting your first book proposal, building a Substack, or managing a bestselling career.

And because every live session is followed by exclusive highlight posts and summaries, even if you’re pressed for time, you’ll never miss the advice that matters most.

Who are some of Author Insider’s past guests?

We’ve hosted some of the most influential thinkers and publishing leaders working today, including:

  • Daniel Pink (Drive)

  • Gretchen Rubin (The Happiness Project)

  • Steven Johnson (Where Good Ideas Come From)

  • Madeline McIntosh (CEO of Authors Equity, former CEO of Penguin Random House)

  • Morgan Housel (The Psychology of Money)

  • Susan Cain (Quiet)

  • Cal Newport (Deep Work)

  • Seth Godin (This Is Marketing)

  • Christy Fletcher (Co-Head of Publishing, United Talent Agency)

  • Jacob Weisberg (Co-Founder of Pushkin Industries)

  • Sarah Fay (Pathological)

…and many more.


Upcoming Members-Only Events

Every month, members get direct access to bestselling authors and publishing insiders. Here’s what’s next:

  • 📅 Friday, October 3rd, at 1 p.m. ET

    AMA with James Patterson & Patrick Leddin: On Collaboration and Sustaining Success

  • 📅 Thursday, October 9th, at 1 p.m. ET

    AMA with Zibby Owens: On Building a Literary Empire From Scratch


Membership

Free

  • Occasional posts with curated insights

  • Event announcements and updates

Paid — $30/month or $295/year

  • Everything in Free

  • 🎤 Live AMAs with bestselling authors & industry experts

  • ✨ Exclusive highlight posts & summaries

  • 📚 Full replay library & archive

  • 🔎 Case studies & deep dives

  • Member-only events & networking

Founding Member — $995/year

  • Everything in Paid

  • Complimentary advance copies of forthcoming books

  • Priority RSVPs and VIP invites

  • 1:1 access to the NBIC editorial team for strategy sessions

  • First dibs on limited workshops & hot-seat coaching

  • Guest spot eligibility & sponsorship opportunities


Sponsorship opportunities

Ready to reach 90,000+ curious readers? Promote your brand, book, or product to an audience passionate about big ideas.

Want to reach 90,000+ curious readers? Promote your book, brand, or product to an audience passionate about big ideas.

Our subscribers:

  • 65% executives and senior managers

  • $150K+ average household income

We offer several promotional packages, with special discounts for Author Insider members.

Request sponsor kit


Author Insider from The Next Big Idea Club is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.

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Supercharge your writing career with innovative strategies from the world’s leading authors and industry experts. Expand your audience and revenue while networking with a vibrant community of peers. This is your shortcut to publishing success.

People

Writer & editor. I share book lists (The Next Big Idea Club), host live author AMAs (Author Insider), and my own writing. I am not prolific, so you can relax.
VP, Content Development @ The Next Big Idea
Rufus is building the Next Big Idea Club with a collection of lovely people. We release a new Book Bite every day via Book a Day on Substack, and new Next Big Idea podcast every week.