Matt Lauer has spent years trying to make a comeback in the wake of his sexual misconduct scandal, but with no networks biting, the former Today cohost has decided to take another route to earn income: write a juicy tell-all.

Matt, 67, hasn't worked in close to a decade. His life imploded in 2017 when he was accused of inappropriate sexual behavior by a colleague. Additional allegations quickly emerged involving multiple women -- at least 10 current or former NBC colleagues -- detailing lewd comments, sexual harassment and power abuses. He issued a public apology, and while he didn't accept all of the allegations, he recognized that some aspects were harmful to others and deserving of regret.

Now it's payback time.

According to an insider, Matt has had some "promising conversations" with the streaming bosses and podcast owners he's been schmoozing over lunch in the Hamptons. "While no deals have materialized, Matt's most lucrative option right now is to tell his side of the story," says the insider. "Publishers have shown a keen interest -- especially if he's willing to call people out, which he absolutely is. Love him or hate him, Matt's seen it all," adds the source, who predicts, "He's got so much dirt that will make for compelling reading."

With countless colleagues allegedly icing him out -- including longtime coanchor Katie Couric, whom he worked beside from 1997 to 2006 -- Matt has "no reason" to hold back, a longtime pal says. "He feels betrayed by so many people. These are people he thought were real friends, and the moment he was in trouble they turned their backs completely. To him, that's unforgivable."

"He wants revenge," adds the insider, "and if he can profit off spilling their secrets, then all the better."