Melanie Shifflett Ridner Warner named IAOTP’s Top Songwriter and Author of the Year

The International Association of Top Professionals will honor Rev. Melanie Shifflett Ridner Warner at its annual awards gala in New York City next December. The recognition highlights her work as a country and gospel singer-songwriter and author, along with more than three decades in music and 31 years of writing and publishing.

Why it matters: - IAOTP’s annual recognition can raise visibility for professionals across music, publishing and related creative fields. - Warner’s honor spotlights a career that spans songwriting, books and community-facing creative work. - The award also places Warner among a select group of honorees invited to IAOTP’s year-end gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

What happened: - IAOTP selected Rev. Melanie Shifflett Ridner Warner as Top Songwriter and Author of the Year for 2026. - IAOTP will honor Warner at its annual awards gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City next December. - Warner is an award-winning country and gospel singer-songwriter with three decades of experience. - Warner has written in multiple formats, including poetry, short stories, novels, children’s books, newspapers and songwriting.

The details: - Warner has released more than 200 songs. - Her releases include “Walk With Me,” “Do You,” “Love The Lord,” “Love Like This,” “Trailerparktrash,” “The Day The Lord Wept,” “Penny Heartbreaker,” “Song of Love,” “God of Peace” and “Child of Mine.” - Warner blends Appalachian roots, contemporary country styles and Gospel themes in her music. - Warner has been writing for 31 years and has more than 64 books across different genres. - Published titles listed in the release include Romantic Feelings, Tears On My Shoulders, Romantic Feelings one & two, and Where Roses Fall. - Warner has received 7 Years Awards and 31 years of ASCAPLUS Awards. - Warner is a Ray Bradbury Short Story Winner and an ASCAP award-winning songwriter. - Warner is related to Patsy Cline, whom the release identifies as her cousin. - Warner’s stated areas of expertise include songwriting, music, book writing and publishing. - Warner’s Facebook page is listed here: More information.

Between the lines: - IAOTP positions the award as a selective honor, based on professional excellence, leadership, longevity, affiliations and community contributions. - The announcement leans on Warner’s breadth across music and writing, suggesting the organization is recognizing both creative output and career longevity. - The release also frames Warner’s family connection to Patsy Cline and her Appalachian background as part of her artistic identity. - IAOTP president Stephanie Cirami said Warner was an easy choice and described her as “inspirational, influential, and a true visionary and thought leader.”

What's next: - Warner will be recognized in person at IAOTP’s gala in New York City next December. - Warner said she plans to continue writing and publishing children’s books. - IAOTP says its membership remains invite-only and limited to distinguished professionals across industries.

The bottom line: - Warner’s selection gives formal recognition to a long-running career that bridges country and gospel music, songwriting and authorship.