Ivan Mesa - Editor
Editor with 10 years of experience. I specialize in Christian nonfiction/academic titles. My goal is to polish prose and help words sing.
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Overview
I have more than a decade of freelance editing experience and have worked professionally as an editor for The Gospel Coalition, working on books, longform pieces, reviews, and articles. I'm editor of ‘Before You Lose Your Faith: Deconstructing Doubt in the Church’ (The Gospel Coalition, 2021). As an editor—whether in developmental, line, copyediting, or proofreading—my goal is to help each writer most effectively and accurately communicate to readers.
I specialize in theological nonfiction, academic, and Christian living books and am well-versed in ‘Chicago Manual of Style,’ ‘Society of Biblical Literature Handbook of Style,’ and the ‘Christian Writer’s Manual of Style.’ I have experience all the way from acquiring books for publication to giving books final proofread in their typeset manuscripts.
Some titles I’ve worked on include:
• Rebecca McLaughlin, ‘The Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims’ (The Gospel Coalition)
• Albert Mohler, ‘The Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles for Leadership That Matters’ (Bethany)
• Wayne Grudem, ‘Christian Ethics: An Introduction to Biblical Moral Reasoning’ (Crossway)
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Christian Non-Fiction
Inspirational
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Writing & Publishing
Fiction
Classics
Work experience
Books Editor
The Gospel Coalition
May, 2014
–
Present
(over 7 years)
Oversee all-things-content with books, including working with authors, copyeditors, and typesetters.
Content Editor
International Mission Board
February, 2017
–
September, 2019
(over 2 years)
Assistant Web Editor
B&H Academic
September, 2015
–
February, 2017
(over 1 year)
Freelance Editor
Mesa Editorial
January, 2010
–
Present
(almost 12 years)
Portfolio (28 selected works)
The days of cultural Christianity are fading. It's time to rethink normal. Suffering and exclusion are normal in a believer's life. At least they should be. This was certainly Jesus's experience. And it's the experience of countless Christians around the world today. No matter your social location or set of experiences, the biblical letter of 1 Peter wants to redefine your expectations and rei... read more
The Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims
Rebecca McLaughlin
Leadership Principles from a Renowned Agent of ChangeCultures and organizations do not change without strong leadership. While many leadership books focus on management oradministration, the central focus of The Conviction to Lead is on changing minds.Dr. Mohler was the driving force behind the transformation of Southern Seminary from a liberal institution of waning influence to athriving evan... read more
The Whole Message of the Bible in 16 Words
Chris Bruno
This accessible overview of biblical theology traces the development of sixteen key themes from Genesis to Revelation, showing how each theme contributes to the one main storyline of Scripture.
Best-selling author Wayne Grudem explains in 42 thorough chapters what the Bible says about ethical questions regarding marriage, government, abortion, and dozens of other issues in this highly practical, biblically based volume on Christian ethics.
Disciplines of a Godly Man
R Kent Hughes
No man will get anywhere in life without discipline--and growth in godliness is no exception. Seasoned pastor R. Kent Hughes's inspiring and best-selling book Disciplines of a Godly Man--now updated with fresh references and suggested resources--is filled with godly advice aimed at helping men grow in the disciplines of prayer, integrity, marriage, leadership, worship, purity, and more. With b... read more
Probably no book published in the last decade has been so ambitious as Charles Taylor’s A Secular Age. He seeks nothing less than to account for the spread of secularism and decline of faith in the last 500 years. Now a remarkable roster of writers—including Carl Trueman, Michael Horton, and Jen Pollock Michel—considers Taylor’s insights for the church’s life and mission, covering everything f... read more
Lost and Found: How Jesus Helped Us Discover Our True Selves
Collin Hansen, Joni Eareckson Tada, Sam Allberry, Vaneetha Rendall Risner, Quina Aragon, Christopher Yuan, Chris Castaldo, Aixa de López, Jeff Robinson, Jason Cook, Sam Chan, Bernard N. Howard
There are many paths to lose your way. And only one way to find it. So said Jesus of Nazareth, the most compelling and controversial teacher of all time. This book aims to make sense of his counterintuitive claim: Unless we lose our lives for his sake, we will never discover our true selves. Writers from around the world tell their stories of healing and hope amid many hardships. Joni Eareckso... read more
DoubtLess - Because Faith is Hard
Shelby Abbott
Five Views on Biblical Inerrancy (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology)
J. Merrick, Stephen M. Garrett, Stanley N. Gundry, R. Albert Mohler, Jr., Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Michael F. Bird, Peter Enns, John R. Franke
What the Bible Says about Divorce and Remarriage
Grudem, Wayne
Brave and Bold: 31 Devotions to Strengthen Men
Marty Machowski
Teach Them Jesus: A Comprehensive Guide to Gospel-Based Children's Ministry
Deepak Reju, Marty Machowski
The Path to Being a Pastor: A Guide for the Aspiring (9Marks)
Jamieson, Bobby
Taming the Tongue: How the Gospel Transforms Our Talk
Jeff Robinson
Redeeming Retirement: A Practical Guide to Catch Up
Cagle, C. J.
Ivan has 3 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
This is my second book utilizing Ivan's services, and once again he did a great job at both copy editing and proofreading. He changed a number of my phrases so that my manuscript flowed better . Since I included a number of different church documents, he did a great job formatting and properly citing them. I'll definitely be using him for my next book!
Matthew Nathan, October 2020
Iván did a great job on the copyedit and the proofread. In fact, he also gave me some general guidelines so I can avoid certain mistakes I was habitually making.
I’ve already contacted him for future works and I highly recommend his services!
Matthew Nathan, September 2020
Ivan's editing was the last step in preparing my book for publishing. His work helped raise my manuscript to the level of a traditionally published book. He improved the consistency of my punctuation and formatting and brought areas to my attention where my writing could be clearer. He responded promptly to my messages and finished the edit right on schedule.
M Conrad, August 2020
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