Maleah Bell

Maleah Bell – Editor

Former Thomas Nelson editor with 20 years experience in Christian non-fiction, study products, and Bibles

Overview

I am a freelance editor with experience in various facets of the Christian publishing industry, with about 20 years in editorial work. I have a keen eye for detail, so I focus my energies on copyediting and proofreading manuscripts and typeset pages. The bulk of my experience is in Christian non-fiction, Bibles, and print study products as well as popular reference and Christian academic. I love making authors look good; I have built some wonderful editor/author relationships. Expect me to honest and picky, but in a kind way! I will always attempt to give my best.
Services
Fiction
Christian Fiction
Non-Fiction
Christian Non-Fiction Inspirational
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Thomas Nelson’s Star Core Values Award

Work experience

Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins Christian Publishers)

Jul, 2013 — May, 2015 (almost 2 years)

Managed assigned editorial projects, including print study products, reference books, and DVD Bible studies.

• Supervised editorial and typesetting processes
• Reviewed all edits, submitting document for author’s approval
• Approved interior design and final manuscript, verifying text quality and design cohesion
• Wrote back ad and catalog copy, creating product interest for both reader and retailer
• Reviewed and approved printer proofs, confirming quality of printing

Thomas Nelson

Jan, 2007 — Jul, 2013 (over 6 years)

Coordinated and executed seven-year editorial process for The Voice Bible translation under direction of Vice President of Translation Development, producing one of most understandable Bible translations on the market.

• Reviewed work of over 100 writers, scholars, and editors, ensuring content clarity and accuracy
• Compared manuscript to English Bible translations, identifying biblical text versus embedded
explanatory material.
• Supervised typesetting and production of The Voice Bible and several ancillary books

Thomas Nelson

Nov, 2003 — Jan, 2007 (about 3 years)

Assisted Vice President of Editorial in creating Bibles, reference books, and ministry titles

• Learned editorial and publishing processes.
• Prepared author and work-for-hire contracts
• Coordinated freelance assignments and reviewed editorial work
• Copyedited and proofread as needed, verifying accuracy and grammatical presentation
• Proofread catalogs, Bible packaging, book covers, and marketing materials prior to publication
• Worked with typesetters, designers, and production managers

Portfolio

Song of Silence

Ruchti, Cynthia

Spike and Babe

Jorgensen, Philip A.

Sunny Slope

Jorgensen, Jane

Mission flourishes when relationships are characterized by mutuality--a difficult, but important, balance to sustain. While there are times for the relief efforts and traditional charity when disasters strike, if years later the same people are receiving the s... read more
For Christians worldwide, the month of December is filled with joy and wonder as we anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth. There is no other time of the year that can compare to the Christmas season for both the young and young at heart. From December t... read more
In the bustle of the Christmas season, it can be easy to get swept up in all of the things to do. But it’s important to pause and remember that our priority should be to spend time celebrating Christ’s birth and not forget to invite Jesus to his own party.Chri... read more
The unlimited character of God is seen in His unlimited holy love, which is expressed in His unlimited atonement, Mandating an unlimited mission for His church that is empowered by His unlimited resources and assured by His unlimited presence!Is a person's ete... read more
Prophets. Rapture. Tribulation. Judgment. End times. Learn what the Bible has to say about prophecy, how Christians differ in their views of the end times, and what the universal aspects are on which all Christians agree. The Max Anders What You Need to Know A... read more
Jim Gash's comfortable life as a Los Angeles lawyer and law professor nearly ensured he and Henry, a Ugandan boy languishing in prison for two murders he didn t commit, would never meet. Henry was losing hope, prayed for a sign from God. Halfway around the wor... read more
Everyone can have hours and hours of puzzle fun with this book that includes hundreds of quick and easy ways to teach and learn about the Bible. See the Bible in new ways, refresh your memory of Bible facts, or quiz your family, friends, or Bible study group! ... read more
The problem of infertility has reached epidemic levels in our society. It is projected that 40 percent of women currently 25 and younger will have difficulty conceiving a child or reaching a live birth. Amanda Hope Haley had married David, the man of her dream... read more
The Story of The Voice

David Capes Jr.

Step into the story behind “the story.” Discover the reasons behind and the vision for The Voice translation! In-depth interviews with key participants explain the translators' motivations and visions for the project. Learn how the translators worked to bring ... read more
Even the most savvy Bible scholar will admit that it can be challenging to learn all the names in the Bible. Not only are there hundreds and hundreds of them, but some can be difficult to pronounce and tough to remember. All The Names in the Bible is a fun and... read more
Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary is the most comprehensive and up-to-date Bible dictionary available. With a fresh new look and updated photographs, this new and enhanced edition is a wealth of basic study information with more than 7,000 entries plus mor... read more
Study the meaning of biblical words in the original languages without spending years learning Greek. W. E. Vine’s New Testament Word Pictures places every key word from Vine’s classic Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words in Bible book and verse-by-vers... read more
Study the meaning of biblical words in the original languages without spending years learning Greek. W. E. Vine’s New Testament Word Pictures places every key word from Vine’s classic Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words in Bible book and verse-by-vers... read more
“We fell in love with Jesus. Then we had to decide what to do with God.” In Transcending Mysteries: Who Is God, and What Does He Want from Us? Andrew Greer and Ginny Owens take readers on a journey to answer the question: is the God of the Old Testament the sa... read more
The Voice™ is a faithful dynamic equivalent translation that reads like a story with all the truth and wisdom of God's Word. Through compelling narratives, poetry, and teaching, The Voice invites readers to enter into the whole story of God, enabling them to h... read more

Maleah has 17 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Michael M.

Michael M.

Mar, 2024

I have brought my work to Maleah multiple times. On occasion, the edits she makes helps me see things in my work that I had not noticed. I appreciate her expertise.
Maleah B.
Thank you, Mike. As always, it has been a pleasure. I look forward to your next project.
William D.

William D.

Oct, 2023

Maleah is very professional. Her edits are well needed for your story to jump off the page, along with flow, accuracy, and citing any references to other published material. Highly recommend Maleah for your writing projects!
Jennifer O.

Jennifer O.

Sep, 2023

Maleah is one of the best proofreaders I have worked with. She is very thorough and has excellent attention to detail. I also appreciate how she listens to the requests and feedback of the client. I was so much more confident in our final product having Maleah on the team!
Maleah B.
Thank you, Jennifer. It was my pleasure!
Michael M.

Michael M.

Sep, 2023

This is my second project with Maleah. She is thorough in her editing and communicates why she is making the edits. Her editing has significantly contributed to making my projects better pieces of art.
Maleah B.
Thanks, Mike. It is always my pleasure to work with you on your projects.
Nate H.

Nate H.

May, 2023

Maleah was the ultimate pro and a delight to work with on my project.
Maleah B.
Nate, it was a pleasure to work with you. I would be delighted to work with you on future projects.

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