Hello Jason,
The main reason for the non-linearity in an amplifier is the non-lin. characteristics of a diode.
(You can consider the equivalent Ebers-Moll model as an amp. )
Since we are interested in the linear part of the diode I-V relations we bias it and apply relatively small amplitude AC signal added to the DC bias.
The output current is a taylor serie approximation of the I-V function at the Q-Point of the amp. circuit. (i.e. Iout=K1+K2*Vin+K3*Vin^2+....)
The 1st coefficient is the DC current,
2nd is the diode junction conductance, etc.
I recommend "Microwave Engineering" by D.M Pozar Ch. 10.2 "Detectors and mixers",
but I think you'll find the same explanations in any electronic devices theory book (Milman and Halkias maybe ?)
Cheers,
P.