Boldwood Books acquired by audiobook publisher RBmedia. Amanda Ridout, founder and chief executive of Boldwood Books US audiobook giant RBmedia has bought Boldwood Books, the commercial fiction independent founded by a team led by CEO Amanda Ridout seven years ago. Serious about the book trade? Create a free account to unlock 3 articles a month and receive tailored newsletters with the latest from the book trade. Want full access? Subscribe today and unlock full access to exclusive interviews, rights deals, industry data and more: Weekly print copies of The Bookseller magazine | Unlimited access to thebookseller.com (single user) | The Bookseller digital edition for desktop, tablet and mobile | Subscriber-only newsletters | Twice-yearly Buyer's Guides worth £30 | Discounts on events and conferences

Kristin Atherton named Best Fiction Narrator. March 12, 2026 Actor receives 2026 Audie Award for her narration of RBmedia audiobook "Outlander" Landover, MD, March 12, 2026 - RBmedia, the largest audiobook publisher in the world, today announced that stage, screen, and voice actor Kristin Atherton has won the 2026 Audie Award for Best Fiction Narrator. She earned the award for her solo performance of RBmedia's audiobook edition of "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon. Published by RBmedia's Recorded Books brand, the newly recorded audiobook edition offers a fresh performance of the internationally bestselling novel - a sweeping historical saga of time travel, war, and romance that captivated millions worldwide and inspired the hit STARZ television series. Atherton portrays leading character Jenny Murray in Season 7. With hundreds of audiobooks to her credit, Atherton has earned multiple voice acting honors. She narrates RBmedia's new audiobook editions of the entire Outlander series. The first six audiobooks are available now, with the remaining titles - including the highly anticipated tenth and final installment - forthcoming. Atherton said, "I am honestly beyond humbled to have received the Audie Award for Best Fiction Narrator for 'Outlander.' After listening to the eloquence and passion of my fellow narrators at the awards ceremony - not to mention the incredible producers, authors, and champions of the audio industry who all spoke so eloquently about the importance of our industry - I feel doubly so. I know I stand on the shoulders of giants; not least the genius that is Diana Gabaldon, whose words make my job easy, the whole team at RBmedia, to whom I could not be more grateful for this extraordinary opportunity, my peers in the world of audiobook narration, who inspire me every time I put in my earphones, and of course the Outlander fanbase whose passion and support mean the absolute universe to me." "Outlander is one of the most beloved series in publishing, with an extraordinarily devoted fan base," said Troy Juliar, Chief Content Officer for RBmedia. "Stepping into a world so cherished by listeners comes with tremendous expectations, and Kristin delivered a truly masterful performance. She brought depth, emotional nuance, and authenticity to every moment, and this Audie recognition is incredibly well deserved." Presented by the Audio Publishers Association, the Audie Awards is the premier awards program in the US recognizing distinction in audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment. In addition to "Outlander," RBmedia also had six other 2026 Audie Awards finalists, including Audiobook of the Year nominee "Shield of Sparrows" by Devney Perry, narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke. RBmedia's Audie Award winner and finalists are available on major audiobook retail and library platforms. About RBmedia RBmedia is the largest audiobook publisher in the world. With more than 100,000 titles, its audiobooks continually top key literary awards and bestseller lists. The company's powerful digital retail and library distribution network reaches millions of listeners around the globe - at home, in the car, and everywhere their mobile devices go. Its titles are available on leading audio platforms, including Audible, Spotify, Apple, Google Play, Audiobooks.com, Storytel, Libro.fm, OverDrive, Hoopla, and many more. RBmedia is owned by H.I.G. Capital and Francisco Partners. Find out more at rbmediaglobal.com.

Devney Perry's shield of Sparrows named Audiobook of the Year finalist. February 9, 2026 Overall, seven audiobooks published by RBmedia recognized as finalists in the 2026 Audie Awards Landover, MD, February 9, 2026 - RBmedia, the largest audiobook publisher in the world, today announced that seven of its titles have been named finalists in the 2026 Audie Awards, including a contender for the prestigious Audiobook of the Year honor. Presented by the Audio Publishers Association, the Audie Awards is the premier awards program in the U.S. recognizing distinction in audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment. RBmedia's finalists span multiple genres and categories and are published across its Recorded Books, Tantor, Dreamscape, HighBridge, and Christian Audio brands. Audiobook of the Year "Shield of Sparrows" by Devney Perry, narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke, is the first installment in a slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy series where enemies become lovers, monsters stalk a cursed realm, and a forgotten princess claims her power. RBmedia also publishes the series in Spanish and French, expanding its reach to a global audience. Best Fiction Narrator "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon, narrated by Kristin Atherton - a leading actor on the STARZ adaptation - is a newly recorded edition of the bestselling historical saga of time travel, war, and romance. Business/Personal Development "Breaking Trauma Bonds with Narcissists and Psychopaths" by Shahida Arabi, MA, narrated by Rachel Perry, is a powerful guide packed with the tools you need to finally break free from the destructive grip of narcissistic or psychopathic abuse. Best Adaptation/Original Work "Shot Clock" by Andrew Bourelle, narrated by Emma Love, is an action-packed thriller in which a basketball star must race against time to save his kidnapped brother while navigating the criminal underbelly of Sin City. Young Listeners "Benny on the Case" by Wesley King, narrated by P.J. Ochlan, is a heartfelt middle-grade mystery featuring a boy with Mosaic Down syndrome who navigates entering a mainstream classroom, making new friends, and standing up to bullies all while trying to catch a thief and save his home. History/Biography "The Spinach King" by John Seabrook, narrated by Dion Graham, chronicles the rise and fall of the Seabrook family, whose frozen-food empire helped shape modern industrial agriculture in America. Faith-Based Fiction or Non-Fiction "The Bible Recap for Kids" by Tara-Leigh Cobble, narrated by Emma Faye, is based on the original bestselling book and walks kids through the entire Bible with short, simple recaps that point out what Scripture says about God's character. "The Audie Awards set the standard for excellence in audiobooks, and being recognized across seven categories - including Audiobook of the Year - is a meaningful honor," said Troy Juliar, Chief Content Officer of RBmedia. "This distinction reflects the exceptional work of our authors, narrators, and production teams - we congratulate everyone whose work was named a finalist." RBmedia's Audie Award finalists are available for download on Audible, Spotify, Apple, Google Play, Audiobooks.com, and wherever digital audiobooks are sold. Winners will be announced at the 31st annual Audie Awards Gala on March 2, 2026. About RBmedia RBmedia is the largest audiobook publisher in the world. With more than 100,000 titles, its audiobooks continually top key literary awards and bestseller lists. The company's powerful digital retail and library distribution network reaches millions of listeners around the globe - at home, in the car, and everywhere their mobile devices go. Its titles are available on leading audio platforms, including Audible, Spotify, Apple, Google Play, Audiobooks.com, Storytel, OverDrive, Hoopla, and many more. RBmedia is owned by H.I.G. Capital and Francisco Partners. Find out more at rbmediaglobal.com.