NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Lifeway Christian Resources trustees unanimously elected Dr. Ryan Blackwell as the organization’s 11th president and CEO during a special-called meeting April 22 in Nashville.

“I’m deeply humbled and grateful to be given this opportunity by the trustees. Lifeway has a long and faithful history of serving churches, and I’m honored to step into this role at such a pivotal time,” Blackwell said. “I love the local church and believe deeply in its mission. My heart is to serve pastors and church leaders by helping provide biblically faithful resources that strengthen discipleship and advance the gospel.”

Blackwell, 42, comes to Lifeway from his role as executive pastor and teaching pastor at Cross Church in Springdale, Arkansas, where he has served since 2020. During his tenure, Blackwell provided leadership development, strategic planning and organizational alignment as the church grew from 7,000 to more than 11,000 in weekly attendance and expanded to a fourth campus. Prior to joining the staff at Cross Church, he served as senior pastor at First Baptist Church of San Francisco for nearly a decade, leading the revitalization of this historic congregation from 2010-2019.

A native of Arkansas, Blackwell grew up at Cross Church and previously served as its pastor of young adults. He has served in local church ministry for more than 20 years, including various ministry roles at churches in California, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

“When I look back over the ministry journey the Lord has taken me on, I can see how faithful He has been in every season,” Blackwell said. “I’ve had the opportunity to serve in different churches and contexts and to learn through seasons of growth and change. At the same time, I’m very aware I have nothing to offer apart from the Spirit’s power at work.”

Candidate committed to Lifeway’s mission

The election of Blackwell follows an eight-month search led by the presidential search committee composed of seven trustees approved by the full board in July 2025. Billy Stewart, chair of the search committee, commented on Blackwell’s election.

“The search committee and I couldn’t be more thrilled that Ryan will serve as the 11th president and CEO of Lifeway. After diligently seeking the Lord throughout this important assignment, we are convinced Ryan is an innovative leader who will shepherd Lifeway into the future with a clear sense of purpose,” Stewart said. “He is committed to Lifeway’s mission to honor God and serve churches by designing trustworthy experiences that fuel ministry. We believe him to be God’s man to lead Lifeway ‘for such a time as this.’”

Trustee chair James Carroll agreed with Stewart saying, “I didn’t know Ryan prior to our search process. In a relatively short time, however, I’ve grown to respect him as a leader, trust him as a ministry partner, and love him as a brother,” Carroll said. “I’m thankful for his humble spirit, theological conviction, thoughtful curiosity and commitment to the local church, and I’m excited for Lifeway’s future under his leadership, oversight and care.”

Blackwell will assume the role of Lifeway president on June 1, succeeding Joe Walker, who has served as interim president since July 2025.

Southern Baptist leaders respond

Blackwell’s childhood friend and senior pastor of Cross Church, Dr. Nick Floyd, was among the first to endorse Blackwell’s nomination. “Ryan’s heart beats for the local church, and I’m confident of his ability to lead Lifeway into a bright future of serving churches worldwide,” Floyd said. “While this transition is a significant loss for Cross Church, it is a massive win for Lifeway and Southern Baptists.”

Upon hearing of Blackwell’s candidacy, other Southern Baptist leaders shared their appreciation for Blackwell’s character and leadership in the local church.

“Ryan leads out of his authentic walk with Jesus. He lives with humility and confidence,” said Dr. Hance Dilbeck, president and CEO of Guidestone. “He has proven to be effective in a variety of ministry settings. I know Ryan loves the local church and is deeply committed to helping our churches make disciples of Jesus.”

Dr. Richard Melick, distinguished professor of New Testament at Gateway Seminary, echoed Dilbeck’s enthusiasm. “I’ve been privileged to work with Ryan in both academics and church. He is a multi-gifted man and a capable leader who displays both confidence and a humble spirit,” said Melick. “Ryan possesses strong executive and administrative skills, which have been evident everywhere he has been.”

‘A man of keen vision’

The search committee noted Blackwell’s humility, innovation, wisdom and strategic vision, as qualities that make him uniquely suited to this role.

“Ryan is a man of keen vision, great humility, tremendous wisdom and effective leadership,” Stewart said. “He distinguished himself from other candidates with his diverse pastoral experiences, his demonstrated ability to build successful operations and organizational culture even in complex situations, and his thoughtful and strategic vision for the future of Lifeway. We believe Ryan has the capacity to broaden Lifeway’s reach with the gospel of Jesus Christ, while at the same time preserving Lifeway’s distinct culture and ministry within the Southern Baptist Convention.”

In addition to Stewart, of Jackson, Mississippi, trustees appointed to the search committee include Beth Greene from Knoxville, Tennessee; Madeline Harris from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Caleb Iorg from Portland, Oregon; Michael Schmidt from Reno, Nevada; and Rob Sumrall from Elizabethtown, Kentucky, James Carroll, from Bardstown, Kentucky, is an ex officio member in his role as Lifeway chair.

Stewart said the search committee prayerfully worked together united by their shared commitment to identify a president who would honor Lifeway’s heritage of serving churches.

“In every meeting and every conversation, it was never lost on us the gravity of the significance of the charge given to us by the Board of Trustees,” Stewart said. “However, we were consistently reminded, and rightfully so, that we were really not leading this search; we were simply following the leadership of the Holy Spirit. So, to Him belongs all the glory, honor and praise for today’s great announcement!”

Blackwell graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Gateway Seminary.

Blackwell and his wife, Rachel, have been married since 2006 and have three children—Brady, Allie and Mae.

Blackwell shared his anticipation and excitement for Lifeway’s future. “We have a real opportunity to serve churches in a rapidly changing ministry landscape,” Blackwell said. “My desire is for Lifeway to continue building on its strong foundation while finding new ways to equip leaders, reach the next generation and help churches make disciples. I’m excited to listen, learn and lead alongside this team as we serve Southern Baptist churches and other believers around the world.”

In operation since 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, group curriculum, Christian music and movies, Vacation Bible School and church supplies, as well as camps and events for all ages. Lifeway is the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Lifeway operates as a self-supporting nonprofit. For more information, visit Lifeway.com.

Media Contact:  Carol Pipes, Carol.Pipes@lifeway.com, 678.360.4197

 

 

 

 

Douglas Kaine McKelvey, bestselling author of the Every Moment Holy series, brings his hard-won spiritual insight and literary depth to WaterBrook with Wrestling Angels. Known for giving language to the sorrows, hopes, and holy longings of everyday believers, McKelvey now turns to one of the most disorienting struggles of the Christian life: what to make of the disappointments, frustrations, and discouragements that seem to call our sense of purpose into question.

Drawing from Scripture, reflection, and stories from his own creative and spiritual journey, McKelvey makes the counterintuitive case that those very struggles may be among the strongest confirmations of divine calling. Rather than proof that something has gone wrong, our hardships reveal God is at work more deeply than we imagined.

World rights were acquired by Will Parker Anderson, Senior Editor at WaterBrook and Multnomah, for publication in Fall 2027, from Don Pape at Pape Commons.

For rights and inquiries, please contact Denise Cronin decronin@penguinrandomhouse.com.

 

 

 

Break Free from Hidden Spiritual Chains:  

Book Releasing June 9 Invites Readers to Discover Keys to Renewing Their Minds, Breaking Destructive Patterns, Stepping Into Abundant Life God Designed

Nashville, TN, April 23, 2026 – Allen Parr, a prominent YouTube creator of The BEAT and an ordained pastor, announces the release of his transformative new book, Breaking Through: How Ordinary Believers Experience Extraordinary Freedom (June 9, 2026, Nelson Books/ Thomas Nelson). This essential guide offers believers practical, biblical strategies for identifying and breaking spiritual, emotional, and relational chains. Parr wrote the book to help Christians who feel stuck in their faith finally experience true, lasting freedom and step boldly into their divine purpose.

Breaking Through is a powerful manual for spiritual liberation. The book reveals the specific “soul chains” that hold believers captive—including toxic thoughts, unforgiveness, and distorted identity. The core message empowers readers to move beyond merely modifying their behavior. Instead, it teaches them to fundamentally renew their minds with God’s truth, leading to permanent transformation.

In a culture overwhelmed by anxiety, constant comparison, and hidden struggles, many Christians quietly battle recurring patterns of defeat. Parr addresses this modern epidemic directly by offering holistic healing and practical spiritual weapons for everyday life. The book proves that true freedom is not the absence of struggle but the power to overcome it through Christ, offering a timely antidote to the despair many face today.

Parr brings immense credibility and reach to this project. As the founder of The BEAT (Biblical Encouragement And Truth) on YouTube, he reaches millions of viewers worldwide. His digital ministry equips believers with clear, accessible biblical literacy. This massive platform makes him a trusted, influential voice in the modern Christian landscape.

“True freedom is not the absence of struggle but the power to overcome it through Christ. God is not waiting for our perfection,” says Parr. “He is waiting for our surrender.”

On Sale June 9, 2026
Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson / HARDCOVER / ISBN: 978-1400239795

About the Author:
Allen Parr is a trusted national speaker, author, ordained minister, and the creator of one of the most impactful Christian YouTube channels today. As a proud graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master of Theology degree in 2004, Allen brings deep biblical scholarship to everyday faith. He has served extensively in local church ministry, including pivotal roles as a worship pastor and pastor of Christian education.

Today, Allen is best known for his massive digital footprint. His popular YouTube channel, The BEAT (Biblical Encouragement And Truth), reaches millions of believers around the globe. Through engaging, easy-to-understand videos, he encourages Christians to live out their true calling. He applies timeless biblical wisdom to modern cultural challenges, making scripture accessible to a wide audience.

Beyond his YouTube success, Allen is the co-founder of Let’s Equip, a nonprofit organization he leads alongside his wife, Jennifer. Let’s Equip provides courses and curriculum designed to boost biblical literacy and foster spiritual growth for both individuals and Christian organizations.

As a gifted communicator, Allen travels nationally to speak and equip other content creators to utilize digital media to fulfill the Great Commission. He combines theological depth with a relatable, accessible teaching style. Allen, Jennifer, and their two children live in Texas, where they continue their mission to empower the global church.

YouTube 1.36M

About Nelson Books:
Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is an industry leader in Christian nonfiction publishing. Nelson Books publishes a diverse array of leaders, experts, and creatives, crafting biblically informed and spiritually fresh books from a Christian perspective that enliven, educate, and encourage readers. The Nelson Books roster of bestselling authors includes Max Lucado, Lysa TerKeurst, Tim Tebow, John Mark Comer, John & Stasi Eldredge, Jennie Allen, Jefferson Bethke, Bob Goff, Ruth Chou Simons, Tyler Staton, Jason Wilson, Christine Caine, Zach Windahl, and Carlos Whittaker.

MEDIA:
Maureen Hoganson, MaureenHoganson@comcast.net, Hoganson Media Relations, 615-542-4458
Lisa Beech, Senior Director of Publicity, Nelson Books, Lisa.Beech@harpercollins.com, 719-439-9403

 

 

 

Lineup includes books from Tammy Trent, D.J. Williams, and Kristin and Montell Jordan

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., April 23, 2026—Fall 2026 releases from Christian publisher David C Cook will feature titles from multiple bestselling and award-winning authors in the Christian and religious book space.

New titles to be released this fall include:

●     Where Are You Now, God? by Tammy Trent (Sept. 1, 2026)—Speaker, recording artist, television host and author Tammy Trent shares her own faith journey to encourage women to trust in God during difficult life seasons. With her trademark warmth and light-hearted spirit, Tammy uses practical tools and an honest exploration of Scripture to help women rediscover the unshakable truth that God is good, powerful, and always close to those who call on Him.

●     Shiloh and the Not-So-Scary Girl Above His Bed by recording artist and pastor Montell Jordan and Kristin Jordan (Sept. 1, 2026)—This rhyming picture book helps parents guide children ages 3–7 to fight their fears with faith. As Shiloh discovers, God didn’t make us to be afraid. He made us strong, loving, and brave. With God on our side, fear and smelly feet don’t stand a chance.

●     Art of the Margins by D.J. Williams (Oct. 20, 2026)—In a culture that often measures creative worth by visibility, D.J. Williams offers a counter-narrative: true artistry is not sustained by applause, it is shaped in the quiet places where we meet God. Across thirty cinematic chapters blending personal history, Scripture and cultural insight, this story-driven manifesto calls creatives to embrace obscurity as the birthplace of purpose and to create from conviction, live from a deeper sense of purpose and make a lasting impact, even from the unseen.

“Our authors have a gift for instilling God’s truth at every stage of life,” said Linda Howard, executive publisher at David C Cook. “Each of our titles offers something distinct, but they all share a common thread: helping people connect more deeply with God and each other.”

About David C Cook
Part of the Cook Media Global family, David C Cook Publishing engages believers, and those exploring faith, through biblically centered content to grow in Christ while strengthening the global Church to fulfill the Great Commission. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach at davidccook.org.

Contact:  Alli Ehrhardt, 541.973.1994

 

 

 

NASHVILLE, TN (February 18, 2026) — Editorial Vida, Grupo Nelson, and Clie, the Spanish-language publishing imprints of HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP), won 14 awards across at the 2026 Spanish Evangelical Publishers Association (SEPA) awards ceremony.

The winning titles span a wide range of categories — from marriage and family to fiction, Bible study to young adult — reflecting the breadth and depth of HCCP’s Spanish-language publishing program and its continued commitment to equipping readers across generations.

“Today, we celebrate, with deep gratitude, the 47 nominations that resulted in 14 wins in 13 categories, reaffirming our call to continue creating content that impacts lives and transcend generations,” said Cristopher Garrido, Vice President and Publisher, for HCCP’s Spanish publishing program. “We acknowledge God’s faithfulness, as well as the excellence and dedication of our authors who have entrusted their work to us. I’m also grateful for the tireless efforts of our editorial, marketing and sales teams, as well as our distributors and bookstores that make it possible for these books and Bibles to reach millions of readers.”

The winning titles are:

Categoría Matrimonio y familia (Marriage and Family)

• La transformación total de su dinero, Actualizada y ampliada (Total Money Makeover, Updated and Expanded) by Dave Ramsey | Grupo Nelson/HarperEnfoque

Categoría Liderazgo (Leadership)

• ¡Yo pude y tú puedes! (I Could And You Can, Too!) by Margarita Pasos | Grupo Nelson/HarperEnfoque

Categoría Vida Cristiana (Christian Living)

• Batallas silenciosas (Hidden Battles) by David Scarpeta | Editorial Vida

Categoría Libro Jóvenes (Young Adult)

• Viviendo Su voluntad (Living His Will) by Sebastián Franz | Editorial Vida

Categoría Estudio Bíblico (Bible Study)

• Israel, el reloj profético de Dios (Israel, God’s Prophetic Clock) by Jahaziel Rodríguez | Editorial Vida

Categoría Libro Ficción (Fiction)

• El león, la bruja y el ropero (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) by C. S. Lewis | Grupo Nelson

Categoría Biblia de Texto (Text Bible)

• RVR60, Santa Biblia, Premio y Regalo, Letra grande (RVR60, Holy Bible, Gift and Award, Large Print) | Editorial Vida

Categoría Libro de Referencia o Consulta (Reference or Study)

• Pneumatología (Pneumatology) by Samuel Pérez Millos | Editorial CLIE

CATEGORÍAS GENERALES (GENERAL CATEGORIES)

Mejor Portada de Libro — Libro General (Best Book Cover — General)

• Batallas silenciosas (Hidden Battles) by David Scarpeta | Editorial Vida

Mejor Portada y Diseño Interior de Biblia — Estudio o Referencia (Best Bible Cover and Interior Design — Study or Reference)

• RVR Biblia de estudio trasfondo cultural (RVR Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible) | Editorial Vida

Mejor Pieza Publicitaria (Best Print/Digital Ad)

• El león, la bruja y el ropero — Bilingual Board Book (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe — Bilingual Board Book) | Grupo Nelson

GALERÍA DE HONOR (GALLERY OF HONOR)

Premio Plata — Más de 100,000 ejemplares (Silver Award — 100,000+ Copies Sold)

• RVR, Nuevo Testamento «Novedad de Vida», Tapa rústica (RVR, New Testament “New Life,” Softcover) | Editorial Vida

Premio Oro — Más de 250,000 ejemplares (Gold Award — 250,000+ Copies Sold)

• Historia de la iglesia cristiana por Jesse Hurlbut (History of the Christian Church) | Editorial Vida
• Promesas de Dios para cada una de tus necesidades (God’s Promises for Your Every Need) | Grupo Nelson

The Spanish Evangelical Publishers Association (SEPA) announced the winners on April 23 during a ceremony held at the Hilton Blue Lagoon Hotel in Miami. The event took place during the 2026 SEPA Conference, which brings together booksellers, distributors, and the most prominent Hispanic publishers within the Christian literature sector across Ibero-America.

For more information on the 2026 SEPA awards, please visit its website.

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing
HarperCollins Christian Publishing is the world’s leading Christian publisher, committed to inspiring the world through the reading of Scripture and the telling of stories that reflect a biblical worldview. Its Spanish-language imprints — Editorial Vida, Grupo Nelson, HarperEnfoque, and distributed partner Editorial CLIE — serve millions of Spanish-speaking readers around the globe with resources that equip, encourage, and transform lives.

Contact: Erin Crum, HarperCollins Publishers, Erin.Crum@harpercollins.com 

 

 

Ada, Mich. (April 24, 2026)—Baker Publishing Group is pleased to announce the promotion of Brian Bolger, who will serve as Vice President of Academic Publishing, overseeing both Baker Academic and Brazos Press. This position fills the vacancy created by Jim Kinney’s upcoming retirement on July 3, 2026, after thirty years with the company.

Bolger began at Baker Publishing Group in 1996 as an editorial assistant and has worked in acquisitions and editorial for Baker Academic and Brazos, most recently as Senior Managing Editor.

Kinney joined Baker Publishing Group in 1996, following eight years at Eisenbrauns, and for twenty-seven of his years at the company, he led Baker Academic, building it into one of the leading independent Christian academic publishers in North America. Under his leadership, Baker Academic has reached new sales heights in recent years, and Brazos—which he developed alongside Editorial Director Katelyn Beaty—is likewise posting record results.

“Brian has been with us since the beginning of Baker Academic and Brazos Press and has built our outstanding editorial department. I look forward to seeing what he and the rest of my colleagues will accomplish in the years ahead,” said Kinney.

Bolger steps into the role at a time of significant growth for the academic program. Baker Academic expanded its list through the recent acquisition of Lexham Press and prepared for this transition by adding to its acquisitions staff in 2025, promoting Dustyn Keepers and hiring Kristen Padilla and Jennifer Guo.

“We’re extremely grateful to Jim Kinney for his contributions to our company and in particular for his remarkable leadership over Baker Academic and Brazos. The growth and reputation of these programs are a testament to his wise stewardship,” said Jesse Myers, CEO of Baker Publishing Group. “Under Brian’s leadership, I’m confident these teams will continue to build upon that legacy.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Kinney added: “This is a bittersweet time for me, but the overwhelming feeling I have is gratitude for the opportunities I’ve been given and the kindness shown to me by so many people along the way. I hope to extend that kindness to others as I embark on a new season of life.”

Baker Academic serves the academy and the church by publishing works that further the pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom within the context of Christian faith.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Contact: Shelly MacNaughton, (616) 450-5560, smacnaughton@bakerpublishinggroup.com

 

 

 

 

[Minneapolis, MN — April 2026]  Widow’s Might, a 365-day devotional by Rachel Faulkner Brown, has been named a finalist in the Devotion & Gift category of the 2026 Christian Book Awards®, presented by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA).

Among the most prestigious honors in Christian publishing, the Christian Book Awards® recognize excellence in content, design, and impact. Finalists represent the “best of the year,” highlighting works that communicate a distinctly Christian message with meaningful influence.

Since its release, Widow’s Might has sparked a growing movement of connection and hope for widows. Its impact has helped launch Seen, a video-driven Bible study created by widows for widows and fueled rapid expansion of local communities—now nearly 90 nationwide, with a new international chapter in Germany. In 2025, more than 500 widows gathered in Atlanta for the largest event of its kind in U.S. history.

“Having this book nominated reminds me that God is committed to ensuring widows are seen,” said Brown. “Every 31 seconds, a woman becomes a widow in this country.”

Widow’s Might offers daily Scripture-based encouragement and hope for women navigating grief.

Available wherever books are sold.

Media Contact:
Suzanne Niles
Suzanne.niles@broadstreetpublishing.com
213.434.3331
www.broadstreetpublishing.com

 

 

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Galahad and the Grail, the debut volume in renowned British poet and priest Malcolm Guite’s highly anticipated new series, Merlin’s Isle: An Arthuriad, bows today from Rabbit Room Press, having already topped Amazon’s “Best Sellers in Religious Poetry,” “Best Sellers in Epic Poetry,” and “Best Sellers in British & Irish Poetry” charts.

Arriving to high praise from critics and fans alike, Galahad and the Grail tells of the legendary quest for the Holy Grail as reimagined through the eyes of the virtuous knight Galahad. Daniel Nayeri, author of The New York Times lauded title Everything Sad Is Untrue, calls Guite’s tale “…a magnum opus in the making,” while London’s The Times says, “…that his book exists is a glorious miracle all of its own,” and former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams calls the work “vigorous and fresh…whets the appetite for much more.”

Celebrating the publication of Galahad and the Grail, multiple marquee events have been held around the U.S. this spring, including “An Evening with Malcolm Guite,” the book’s official Rabbit Room Press launch. Also featuring series illustrator Stephen Crotts and special musical guests The Gray Havens, Jeremy Casella, and Lydia Tabor, the March event took place in Nashville and drew attendees from across the country. In addition, last month The Trinity Forum and The Rabbit Room presented “Take Up The Tale: Bringing the Epic Tradition Into Our Time,” a special conversation with Guite at Washington, D.C.’s National Press Club.

The debut of four releases in Guite’s history-making epic cycle—the first multi-volume poetic retelling of Arthurian legend published in nearly two centuries—Galahad and the Grail honors the traditional ballad form while speaking with fresh vitality to modern readers. Hallmarked by Guite’s profound insights on courage, honor, and the spiritual journey, the story is further enhanced by more than 25 exclusive illustrations from award-winning South Carolina-based artist Stephen Crotts.

Galahad and the Grail’s immediate resonance fuels anticipation for The Coming of Arthur, the second volume in the Merlin’s Isle series. Releasing November 2 from Rabbit Room Press, preorders for The Coming of Arthur have landed the forthcoming title on multiple Amazon bestseller lists to date.

ABOUT MALCOLM GUITE
Malcolm Guite is a poet following the tradition of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and George Herbert, a priest in the tradition of Lancelot Andrewes, and a scholar and literary critic in the tradition of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. A Girton College Fellow at Cambridge University, Guite lectures widely in the United Kingdom and North America on theology and literature and is the author of several works of nonfiction and poetry, including Sounding the Seasons: 70 Sonnets for the Christian Year (Canterbury Press), which is now in its 10th printing, as well as The Singing Bowl: Collected Poems (Canterbury Press 2013), Parable and Paradox (Canterbury Press 2016), Mariner: A Voyage with Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Hodder 2017), After Prayer (Canterbury Press 2019), The Word Within the Words (DLT 2021) and Lifting the Veil (Square Halo 2021).

ABOUT THE RABBIT ROOM AND RABBIT ROOM PRESS 
Conceived in 2007 as an experiment in creative community, The Rabbit Room put down roots in a 150-year-old farmhouse in Nashville, Tennessee. The community’s creative ventures now feature a podcast network, bookstore, Rabbit Room Press, and live events including the annual Hutchmoot conference.

Rabbit Room Press publishes works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that embody the mission of The Rabbit Room—cultivating stories that nourish Christ-centered communities for the life of the world. The boutique publishing house endeavors to create books that are beautiful both inside and out, titles not limited to any specific genre or market, but which adhere to a basic belief in the value of creative writing and storytelling.

For further information, visit merlinsisle.com, malcolmguite.com, rabbitroompress.com, or turningpointpr.com. Follow Malcolm Guite on YouTube. 

Publisher of leading rights and royalty software eliminates the primary barrier to switching platforms, covering setup, training, and data migration at no additional cost

NORTHAMPTON, MA — April 20, 2026 — MetaComet® Systems, the publishing industry’s leading provider of rights and royalty management software, today announced that all new Royalty Tracker® subscriptions will include free implementation at no additional cost beyond the monthly subscription.

Implementation has long represented a significant financial and operational barrier for publishers considering a switch from their existing royalty management systems. Industry estimates place implementation costs for competing platforms at anywhere from $5,000 to well over $100,000, with project timelines that can stretch for months, and some cases, fail to reach completion at all. MetaComet’s new free implementation program eliminates that barrier entirely.

The program covers the full scope of onboarding through MetaComet’s proprietary MetaGoLive® process, which the company has refined over more than 200 implementations since its founding in 1999. Included at no charge are: account setup and configuration, guided by a dedicated customer success specialist; hands-on team training; and complete data migration.

“The traditional model for software implementation puts all the risk on the customer. They pay up front, the vendor gets paid for however long the project takes, and if something goes wrong, the publisher is left holding the bill,” said David Marlin, President of MetaComet Systems. “We think that’s backwards. By making implementation free, we’re putting our own competence on the line. We succeed when the customer is up and running quickly and accurately, exactly as it should be.”

The MetaGoLive® onboarding process includes parallel runs of one to two royalty periods on a representative set of contracts, enabling customers to validate calculation accuracy before going live. Migrated data is reviewed and approved by the customer in a staging environment prior to promotion to production. New customers are required to prepay a six-month subscription to reserve an implementation slot, after which the full onboarding process begins.

While no-cost or subsidized onboarding has become more common across the broader software-as-a-service industry, it remains rare in the royalty management vertical. MetaComet’s offering is available to all new Royalty Tracker subscribers regardless of catalog size or contract volume, from startup publishers to established houses managing tens of thousands of titles.

“Publishers tell us they know they need a better system, but the thought of migrating years of data and retraining their team is what stops them from making the move,” Marlin added. “With free implementation, that conversation changes completely. You get a modern, proven royalty system, without the risk of an expensive, time-consuming migration.”

Free implementation is available immediately to all new Royalty Tracker customers. Publishers interested in learning more or scheduling a consultation can visit metacomet.com or contact the MetaComet sales team directly at sales@metacomet.com.

About MetaComet® Systems
For over 25 years, MetaComet® Systems has been the publishing industry’s leader in rights and royalty solutions, providing secure, reliable automation to hundreds of book publishers. Royalty Tracker® automates the royalty calculation and payment process for efficient, error-free results, at any level of contract volume and complexity. MetaComet® Rights surfaces overlooked licensing revenue opportunities while providing a complete rights management system, customizable to the unique needs of any publisher or literary agency. MetaComet® Systems holds the highest level of third-party verified security certification (SOC 2 Type 2). Our software integrates seamlessly with other title management, accounting, and ERP systems. Most importantly, our customer support team is made up of highly responsive rights and royalty specialists, dedicated to helping our customers maximize their revenue, eliminate errors, and save time and stress throughout the rights and royalty management processes.

Contact: Beth Lewand, Marketing Manager, blewand@metacomet.com, +1 413-536-5989 x101

 

 

 

The new advertising and promotion representation agreements strengthen FrontGate’s ability to connect brands with high-trust Christian and conservative audiences.

April 14, 2026 – Orange County, CA — Building on the momentum of its 25th anniversary year, FrontGate Media announced today that it has expanded its advertising and promotion representation portfolio with four new strategic relationships: faith, family, and freedom advocacy organization Family Research Council, faith-and-family media personalities Kevin Sorbo and Sam Sorbo, and Pastor, author, and conservative Christian media personality Greg Locke. The additions further strengthen FrontGate’s ability to connect advertisers, sponsors, media buyers, and promotional partners with high-trust Christian and conservative audiences across digital, social, broadcast, podcast, and live-platform ecosystems.

The new representation agreements reflect FrontGate Media’s continued expansion as a trade-facing partner for brands and organizations seeking more effective ways to reach engaged, conviction-led consumers. For marketers navigating an increasingly fragmented media environment, these new additions give FrontGate broader access to established platforms and personalities that already command trust and attention within Christian and conservative audiences.

“Over the last 25 years, we’ve seen again and again that trust is the real differentiator in this market,” said Scott A. Shuford, Founder & Chief Engagement Officer of FrontGate Media. “These new representation agreements are a major step forward for FrontGate and for the brands we serve. Family Research Council, Kevin Sorbo, Sam Sorbo, and Pastor Greg Locke each bring a distinct kind of influence, credibility, and audience connection. Together, they expand our ability to create strategic campaigns that reach Christian and conservative audiences in ways that are authentic, culturally relevant, and built for results.”

Family Research Council adds a powerful policy, culture, and advocacy platform to FrontGate’s representation portfolio. Based in Washington, D.C., FRC is widely known for championing faith, family, and freedom in public policy and culture from a biblical worldview. Through its digital properties, email outreach, broadcast programming, and social media presence, Family Research Council provides advertisers and promotional partners with access to a highly engaged audience of donors, voters, parents, pastors, and organizational leaders.

Kevin Sorbo brings FrontGate one of the most recognizable names in faith-friendly and conservative entertainment media. Best known to mainstream audiences for his work as an actor, director, and producer, Sorbo continues to maintain strong visibility through film, speaking, publishing, and social media. His platform appeals to entertainment audiences, faith-based consumers, and values-driven households, making him a strong option for campaigns seeking broad recognition alongside a trusted audience connection.

Sam Sorbo strengthens FrontGate’s access to family-centered, education-minded, and parent-engaged audiences. As an actress, author, producer, host, speaker, and education advocate, she has built a loyal following around faith, family, homeschooling, and parental rights.

Taken together, the Sorbos offer a compelling combination of entertainment recognition, family-values credibility, and issue-based audience engagement. Their ability to connect with audiences both separately and together gives brands and organizations additional options for customized campaigns, promotions, and media partnerships.

Pastor Greg Locke expands FrontGate’s access to a large-scale, high-engagement personality brand at the intersection of faith media, cultural commentary, and digital influence. Known as an author, speaker, and media personality, Locke has built a substantial audience across social and digital platforms, with strong visibility through podcasting, video content, live speaking, and faith-based cultural commentary. His reach gives advertisers and promotional partners access to highly responsive Christian and conservative audiences that are deeply engaged online.

The announcement underscores FrontGate Media’s broader strategy during its 25th anniversary year: deepen representation relationships, expand audience access points, and help brands move beyond generic faith-market buying into more targeted, trust-based campaigns. As FrontGate continues to grow its tactical portfolio, the company further solidifies its position as the primary gateway to the Christian Audience, focused on helping advertisers and media buyers reach Christian and conservative audiences through strategic partnerships built on relevance, credibility, and results.

About FrontGate Media
FrontGate Media is an award-winning, full-service marketing agency and media group specializing in the Faith and Family audience. With over 7,500 campaigns and a powerful digital network, FrontGate offers expert services in public relations, advertising, media buying, social marketing, and content development. Their work has earned honors from the Internet Advertising Competition, the WebAwards, and the Emmy® Awards.  Visit at www.FrontGateMedia.com.

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