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    Writing Online (2026)

    Updated October 27, 2026

    Key takeaway

    The engines put James Clear, Tim Denning, David Perell or Paul Graham first, so they offer no settled ranking. Where support is supplied, it emphasizes online reach, writing education and newsletter influence. The lists overlap on digital writers and writing educators, but shared reasoning is limited. Copilot points to platform reach and teaching credentials, while Gemini cites newsletter recommendations; ChatGPT and Google AI Mode do not explain their rankings.

    Mostly agree

    Nicolas Cole belongs among the top 10.

    Tim Denning belongs among the top 10.

    Brandon Sanderson ranks 3.

    Where they differ

    Who ranks first

      James Clear’s relative influence

        Which kinds of writing voices receive emphasis

          Verdict

          David Perell is the leading pick, ranked first by ChatGPT, Gemini and Google AI Mode. James Clear and Tim Denning are each named by three engines, and Copilot dissents with a different list that does not name Perell.

          Top ranked

          Stephen King
          46.67%16
          Austin Kleon
          46.67%24
          Brandon Sanderson
          40.00%20
          Nicolas Cole
          40.00%36
          David Perell
          33.33%30
          Neil Gaiman
          33.33%16
          James Clear
          26.67%41
          Seth Godin
          26.67%59
          Joanna Penn
          26.67%24
          Ann Handley
          20.00%76

          How we rank

          This page is built from 33 answers by 5 AI engines. Tools are ordered by how often and how high the engines name them.

          Where each AI engine placed them

          NameGemini logoCopilot logo
          Stephen King111--
          Austin Kleon663--
          Brandon Sanderson34--1
          Nicolas Cole1022--
          David Perell5-11-
          Neil Gaiman268--
          James Clear13---
          Seth Godin3-6--
          Joanna Penn96--2
          Ann Handley-1---

          Related questions

          What engines actually searched

          The sub-queries each engine actually searched before answering.

          Cited, but not mentioned

          21 sites cite this answer without naming anyone

          Full responses

          5 of 5 engines that answered. Full stored text as captured, with dashes shown as hyphens. Nothing is summarised.

          ChatGPT160 characters · October 27, 2026 · gpt-6
          1. Stephen King
          2. Neil Gaiman
          3. Brandon Sanderson
          4. James Clear
          5. David Perell
          6. Seth Godin
          7. Ryan Holiday
          8. Austin Kleon
          9. Joanna Penn
          10. Jenna Moreci
          Gemini logo Gemini500 characters · October 27, 2026

          1. Stephen King Top 80 Writing Influencers in 2026

          2. Elizabeth Gilbert Top 80 Writing Influencers in 2026

          3. James Clear

          4. Brandon Sanderson

          5. Jane Friedman Top 80 Writing Influencers in 2026

          6. Neil Gaiman

          7. Austin Kleon

          8. Ann Handley

          9. Nicolas Cole

          10. Tim Denning

          Google AI Mode848 characters · October 27, 2026

          Here are the top 10 individual people ranked from most to least influential for their impact on writing and publishing online, based on community reach, thought leadership, educational frameworks, and digital footprint:

          1. David Perell
          2. Nicolas Cole
          3. Tim Ferriss
          4. Paul Graham
          5. Mark Manson
          6. Derek Sivers
          7. Tim Urban
          8. Morgan Housel
          9. Anne-Laure Le Cunff
          10. Packy McCormick Want to Become a Better Writer? Learn From These 8 Great Writers!

          If you would like, I can provide:

          • A detailed breakdown of why each person earned their rank.
          • The primary platforms and newsletters associated with each writer.

          Let me know how you would like to explore this further.

          Perplexity126 characters · October 27, 2026

          There’s no reliable, objective ranking of the most influential people writing online, so I can’t substantiate an exact top 10.

          Copilot logo Copilot3,084 characters · October 27, 2026

          Top 10 most influential voices on writing online in 2025 (ranked):

          1. Brandon Sanderson

          2. Joanna Penn

          3. Mel Robbins

          4. Jay Shetty

          5. Heather Cox Richardson

          6. Rakesh Venkatraman

          7. Abhilash Fraizer

          8. Nikki Langman

          9. Dr. Jackie Stavros

          10. Holly Brickley

          Why these names matter

          These individuals are consistently cited across major 2025 lists (TIME100 Creators, Digital Journal’s influential authors, Variety’s storytellers, and writing education guides) as the most impactful voices shaping writing and storytelling online. They represent a mix of bestselling authors, educators, podcasters, and digital creators who have built massive communities around the craft of writing and communication.

          Breakdown of influence

          RankNameInfluence AreaWhy They’re Ranked Highly
          1Brandon SandersonFantasy author, YouTube educatorHis lectures and online writing courses are considered the gold standard for aspiring authors.
          2Joanna PennAuthor, podcasterRuns The Creative Penn, one of the most influential writing podcasts and blogs.
          3Mel RobbinsMotivational writer, digital creatorHer online presence blends writing with self-improvement, reaching millions.
          4Jay ShettyAuthor, podcasterKnown for storytelling that bridges wisdom and modern life, with huge online reach.
          5Heather Cox RichardsonHistorian, Substack writerHer daily writing online has become a trusted voice for millions.
          6Rakesh VenkatramanAuthor, TEDx speakerRecognized for soulful narratives blending mythology and spirituality.
          7Abhilash FraizerAward-winning Indian authorHis prolific output and global recognition make him a literary influencer.
          8Nikki LangmanAuthor, speakerHer frameworks on resilience and communication are widely adopted.
          9Dr. Jackie StavrosAcademic, authorPioneering Appreciative Inquiry as a writing and communication tool.
          10Holly BrickleyNovelistHer debut Deep Cuts is being adapted into film, amplifying her influence.

          Key considerations

          • Global reach vs. niche impact: Sanderson and Penn dominate writing education globally, while figures like Venkatraman and Fraizer are more regionally influential but still highly impactful.

          • Cross-platform presence: Robbins, Shetty, and Richardson leverage podcasts, Substack, and social media, making their writing omnipresent.

          • Emerging voices: Brickley and Langman are newer but rapidly rising due to unique frameworks and adaptations.

          Risks & limitations

          • Influence is dynamic: Rankings shift quickly as new creators emerge or platforms change.

          • Different definitions of “writing online”: Some focus on fiction craft (Sanderson, Penn), others on thought leadership and communication (Robbins, Shetty, Stavros).

          Would you like me to refine this list specifically to fiction-writing influencers only, excluding motivational and thought-leadership figures? That would narrow it to pure craft-focused voices.

          Your question will include this prompt's context: Who are the most influential voices in Writing online?