NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 2, 2026 — Savannah Chrisley, media personality and entrepreneur best known for starring on the USA Network series Chrisley Knows Best and its spinoff Growing Up Chrisley, has signed a two-book deal with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. The deal includes a trade book titled The Truth Behind the Smile, with W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, set to release in September 2027, and a gift book with Thomas Nelson Gift scheduled for release in Summer 2028. The deal was brokered by Chrisley’s manager Ryan Ault, who represented the author in securing world rights for publication. W Publishing Senior Acquisitions Editor Kyle Olund acquired the trade title, and Acquisitions Editor Karissa Taylor acquired the gift book.
The Truth Behind the Smile is expected to explore the story behind the public image, offering a more intimate account of the challenges, growth, and life lessons that have shaped Chrisley’s path. The book will give readers insight into her experiences with family, personal hardship, perseverance, and the process of moving forward through difficult seasons.
Additional details, including cover design and pre-order information, will be announced.
Chrisley hosts the hit podcast Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley. Known for her transparency and strength in the face of adversity, she has become a voice for resilience, faith, and reform advocating for families impacted by the criminal-justice system and inspiring millions through her wellness brand Good Girl RX. With more than 20 million combined social followers and a loyal podcast audience, she bridges entertainment, wellness, and advocacy with authenticity.
“For much of my life, people have known the headlines, the television moments, or the stories others have told about me. What they haven’t always known is the person behind them. Writing this memoir is one of the most exciting and vulnerable things I’ve ever done because it gives me the opportunity to tell my story in my own words.
For years, people have formed opinions about me based on a television show, a headline, or one chapter of my life. This book shares the moments that happened when the cameras were off…the challenges, lessons, and experiences that shaped who I am today.
My hope is that readers will not only get to know me better, but that they will see parts of themselves in these pages. This memoir is about embracing the truth of my journey and finding the freedom to share it,” said Chrisley.
“Savannah writes with courage and deep conviction, and that is what makes The Truth Behind the Smile so powerful. This is a brave book because it invites readers beyond the headlines and into a story of pain, perseverance, faith, and hope. We are honored to partner with Savannah as a voice people are clearly hungry to hear, and we believe her willingness to share her story will meet readers where they are and stay with them long after the final page,” said Olund.
“Savannah brings an authentic and relatable voice to conversations around faith, resilience, and personal growth, and we believe her message will deeply connect with readers looking for encouragement and inspiration,” said Vice President and Publisher of Thomas Nelson Gift Stephanie Newton. “We’re honored to help bring this gift book to life and share it with audiences everywhere.”
“Savannah’s story is a powerful example of discovering purpose through pain. She is a fighter who stands boldly for justice, integrity, character, and the love of God. Her journey has the power to impact both believers and non-believers alike, inspiring hearts, strengthening faith, and helping grow the Kingdom,” said Ault.
Regarding the partnership with W Publishing and Thomas Nelson Gift, Ault said, “There is something truly special and meaningful about being entrusted with someone’s story and truth. From our very first conversations with HarperCollins it has felt like home. We are deeply honored and incredibly excited for this partnership and for God’s plan for Savannah’s story.”
Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational products for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information, visit www.thomasnelson.com.
Contacts:
Allison Carter, W Publishing Group, Allison.Carter@harpercollins.com
Chasity Edwards, Thomas Nelson Gift, Chasity.Edwards@harpercollins.com
Dressed in Love Press has contracted with Terrance Niedziela Jr. for a speculative series for the Young Adult Christian fantasy market. Tales of Aras: Becoming Fire & Lightning released on May 19, 2026, and is the first installment in an exciting, clean speculative fiction series designed to entertain, build rich and memorable worlds, and introduce unforgettable characters who remind readers that God is always at work, even in the most unexpected places.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Nashville-based boutique publisher Rabbit Room Press has notched its biggest book launch to date with the history-making success of Galahad and the Grail, the debut volume in British poet and priest Malcolm Guite’s epic poem cycle, Merlin’s Isle: An Arthuriad. Landing in the Top 50 on Amazon’s overall “Best Sellers in Books” chart last week, Galahad and the Grail is currently sold-out in Amazon’s U.S. store.
May 12, 2026 — SPCK Group has secured global rights to produce a new and Anglicised edition of The Message bible.
May 19, 2026 — SPCK Group’s The Lion Baby Bible by Antonia Woodward has been awarded Gold in the Religion category at the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Book Awards 2026.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 1, 2026—Harper Collins Christian Publishing today announced that Susan Ligon, former principal of Ligon Group Consulting, will become the VP and publisher for W Publishing Group, a part of Thomas Nelson. In this role, Ligon will lead the acquisition and editorial strategy and oversee marketing for the nonfiction imprint, reporting to Don Jacobson, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing. She will also be responsible for maintaining relationships with the strong roster of current W Publishing Group authors, in addition to discovering and growing new Christian voices in the market.
Doug Lockhart is stepping into the new role of SVP, Business Development. Doug has done an outstanding job identifying and closing many of HCCP’s recent acquisitions, and his strategic vision has been instrumental in shaping our future. In this new capacity, Doug will focus on initiatives that drive growth and position HCCP for long-term success. Mark Warner and Russ Casenhiser will continue to report to Doug in support of continued growth initiatives.
Robert Bedenbaugh has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Trade Sales, for HCCP and HCF, reporting to Mark Schoenwald, President and Chief Executive Officer, HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Robert has been with HCCP for nearly 16 years, holding various roles, including managing key CBA accounts and overseeing the Amazon business. He became Vice President of Sales in 2021, successfully leading the Online Sales division, including Amazon, Christianbook, and all digital accounts. Under his leadership, online business has more than doubled since 2020. His direct reports will include Sally Driscoll, Sandy Harris, Wren Franklin, Ayannah Mers, Cami Miller, and Rod Schumacher.
Ayannah Mers has been promoted to Vice President, Online Sales, overseeing the Online Sales group. Ayannah joined HCCP in 2010 and played a key part in building the digital business. Since 2018, Ayannah has been part of the Amazon team and participated in the channel’s growth. In 2021, she advanced to Sales Director, taking on leadership of the Amazon team, and was most recently promoted to Senior Director of Sales. Patty Curtis, Nick Gilbert, Brad Poel, and Paul Vought will report to Ayannah.
Paul Vought has been promoted to Sales Director, overseeing the Amazon business. Paul has been with HCCP for almost ten years, beginning as a Telesales Representative before being promoted to Telesales Lead. In 2019, Paul joined the Custom Sales team as Sales Manager, where his analytical and problem-solving skills proved instrumental in improving efficiencies and revenue. Since joining the Online Sales team in 2021, Paul has consistently delivered strong results across the Amazon business, driving double-digit growth, improving returns, and strengthening deal performance. Laura Fernandez will report to him.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 27, 2026 — Cook Media Global, parent company of David C Cook Publishing, is pleased to announce Brock Eastman’s promotion to vice president and associate publisher of children’s media & The Action Bible brand.






