About

Why we built AskTheAuthor.

We built AskTheAuthor because readers deserve more than a book.

For most of history a book was a one-way letter from the author to the reader.

You'd underline a passage, scribble a question in the margin, and then close the cover with nowhere to send it.

We started AskTheAuthor to close that loop. An author records their voice, sits for a short capture session, and the same book can now be read, listened to, and asked — live, in their own voice and face.

The author keeps the lion's share of every sale. The reader pays once for the book and only tops up if they want more conversation. No subscriptions, no per-page fees.

— Brian Will, founder

A writer at a wooden desk, drafting longhand by a sunlit window — From the AskTheAuthor desk

Meet the team

Brian Will

Founder & CEO

Entrepreneur, Author, Pioneer of the Living Book

Brian has always believed that technology should strengthen human connection, not replace it. A two-time Wall Street Journal bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and serial founder with three successful exits, he created AskTheAuthor to turn books into living conversations — preserving each author's voice and wisdom so readers can do more than read: they can ask.

His vision: no great conversation between an author and a reader has to end at the last page.

Jenn Van Houten

Co-Founder & COO

Strategist, Builder, The One Who Makes It Real

Jenn has spent two decades turning complex ideas into products, programs, and customer experiences that deliver real results. From co-founding a technology startup to leading enterprise initiatives for Fortune 500 organizations, she specializes in transforming ambitious visions into reality.

At AskTheAuthor, Jenn leads strategy, execution, and the author and reader experience — making sure every reader has the opportunity to talk with the authors behind the books they love.