Maleah Bell

Maleah Bell - Editor

Nashville, United States

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

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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.
Languages
English (US)
Fiction
Christian Fiction
Non-Fiction
Christian Non-Fiction
Inspirational

Awards

  • Thomas Nelson’s Star Core Values Award

Work experience

Editor

Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins Christian Publishers)
July, 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

Associate Editor, Translation Development

Thomas Nelson
January, 2007 – July, 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

Editorial Assistant

Thomas Nelson
November, 2003 – January, 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 (23 selected works)

The Voice Bible, eBook: Step Into the Story of Scripture

Ecclesia Bible Society

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 hear God speaking and to experience His presence in their lives. Through a collaboration of nearly 120 biblical scholars, pastors, writer... 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 hear God speaking and to experience His presence in their lives. Through a collaboration of nearly 120 biblical scholars, pastors, writer... read more

Transcending Mysteries: Who Is God, and What Does He Want from Us? (Refraction)

Ginny Owens, Andrew Greer, Refraction

“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 same God we relate to and worship today?As the most definitive written revelation of who God is, Scripture has always been vital to the st... 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 same God we relate to and worship today?As the most definitive written revelation of who God is, Scripture has always been vital to the st... read more

W. E. Vine's New Testament Word Pictures: Matthew to Acts

W. E. Vine

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-verse order. The text of the King James Version of the Bible is included for context, but W. E. Vine’s New Testament Word Pictures is keyed ... 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-verse order. The text of the King James Version of the Bible is included for context, but W. E. Vine’s New Testament Word Pictures is keyed ... read more

W. E. Vine's New Testament Word Pictures: Romans to Revelation

W. E. Vine

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-verse order. The text of the King James Version of the Bible is included for context, but W. E. Vine’s New Testament Word Pictures is keyed ... 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-verse order. The text of the King James Version of the Bible is included for context, but W. E. Vine’s New Testament Word Pictures is keyed ... read more

Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary: New and Enhanced Edition

Ronald F. Youngblood

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 more than 500 full-color photographs, maps, and pronunciation guides.Features include:Cross-references to major translationsMore than 7,000... 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 more than 500 full-color photographs, maps, and pronunciation guides.Features include:Cross-references to major translationsMore than 7,000... read more

All the Names in the Bible (A to Z Series)

Thomas Nelson

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 engaging handbook that includes every name in the Bible in one handy volume. This comprehensive resource lists every person and place m... 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 engaging handbook that includes every name in the Bible in one handy volume. This comprehensive resource lists every person and place m... 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 a balance between scholarship, literary style, and forward thinking to meet the scripture needs for the church. Features include: Discus... read more

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 a balance between scholarship, literary style, and forward thinking to meet the scripture needs for the church. Features include: Discus... read more

Barren Among the Fruitful: Navigating Infertility with Hope, Wisdom, and Patience (InScribed Collection)

Amanda Hope Haley, InScribed

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 dreams, and earned a master’s degree from Harvard. She and David purchased their first home and settled down to start a family. All her hopes... 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 dreams, and earned a master’s degree from Harvard. She and David purchased their first home and settled down to start a family. All her hopes... read more

Big Fun Bible Puzzle Book

Thomas Nelson

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! Use it with kids on long trips. Great for rainy days too! Packed with hundreds of word searches, maze games, crosswords, and fast facts.... 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! Use it with kids on long trips. Great for rainy days too! Packed with hundreds of word searches, maze games, crosswords, and fast facts.... read more

Divine Collision: An African Boy, An American Lawyer, and Their Remarkable Battle for Freedom

Jim Gash

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 word, Jim listened to best-selling author of Love Does, by Bob Goff, encourage lawyers to help imprisoned children in Africa. Jim felt an i... 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 word, Jim listened to best-selling author of Love Does, by Bob Goff, encourage lawyers to help imprisoned children in Africa. Jim felt an i... read more

What You Need to Know About Bible Prophecy: 12 Lessons That Can Change Your Life (What to Do About...)

Max Anders

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 About series is made up of ten 12-lesson study guides covering the fundamentals of Christianity. The ten books in the series together for... 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 About series is made up of ten 12-lesson study guides covering the fundamentals of Christianity. The ten books in the series together for... read more

Unlimited: God's Love, Atonement, and Mission

Ken Hemphill

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 eternal destiny sealed before he or she is ever born? Did God create some persons to spend eternity in heaven and others in hell with no ch... 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 eternal destiny sealed before he or she is ever born? Did God create some persons to spend eternity in heaven and others in hell with no ch... read more

Total Christmas Makeover: 31 Devotions to Celebrate with Purpose

Melissa Spoelstra

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.Christmas is far more than a celebration of an event from long ago or a modern holiday centered around shopping. Mindfully take time to list... 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.Christmas is far more than a celebration of an event from long ago or a modern holiday centered around shopping. Mindfully take time to list... read more

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: A Countdown to Christmas

Ace Collins

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 to New Year’s Eve, reawaken the wonder, joy, and magic that is Christmas with daily scripture and inspirational readings of stories behin... 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 to New Year’s Eve, reawaken the wonder, joy, and magic that is Christmas with daily scripture and inspirational readings of stories behin... read more

From Relief to Empowerment: How Your Church Can Cultivate Sustainable Mission

Laceye C Warner, Gaston Warner

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 same aid, an opportunity is lost. Mission that moves beyond relief to empowerment opens up ways to address systemic forms of oppression a... read more

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 same aid, an opportunity is lost. Mission that moves beyond relief to empowerment opens up ways to address systemic forms of oppression a... read more

Sunny Slope

Jorgensen, Jane

Spike and Babe

Jorgensen, Philip A., Jane

2 Corinthians (Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament)

Kruse, Colin G., Köstenberger Ph.D., Dr. Andreas J., Yarbrough, Robert W.

Song of Silence

Ruchti, Cynthia

Maleah has 12 reviews

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

Michael Metz
Maleah did a thorough job. She found some important issues I over looked (my main character had pawned his TV; then I had him eating it).

Michael Metz, October 2022

Maleah Bell
Thank you, Mike. It's a pleasure to work on your stories! I look forward to working with you again.

Reply from Maleah Bell


Frannie Rose
Maleah is wonderful. She makes magic out of manuscripts!

Frannie Rose, June 2021

Maleah Bell
Thank you, Frannie, for trusting me with your book. I enjoyed working with you!

Reply from Maleah Bell


Mo Brooks
Mrs. Maleah was great to work with. She knows what she is doing and provided valuable feedback. She was honest and always quick to respond and get clarity. I am going back to her for my next project for sure. You can't go wrong with her.

Mo Brooks, October 2019

Maleah Bell
Thank you, Mo. I look forward to your next book!

Reply from Maleah Bell


Stephanie Anderson
I have learned so much and loved working with Maleah. Her knowledge and expertise is what I was looking for when I reached out to her. She was the last editor before I submitted by book for a proof copy in publishing. Best decision I ever made! She was thorough, a good communicator and guide in our conversations. I look forward to working with you, Maleah, in the future. Thank you so much!

Stephanie Anderson, May 2019

Maleah Bell
Thank you, Stephanie. I enjoyed working with you as well, and I look forward to your next book!

Reply from Maleah Bell


Gina Warren
I am a first time author and Maleah made me feel at ease every step of the way. Her communication was consistent and her work was perfection. She never made me feel my questions were bothersome. She also finished the project ahead of schedule. A true Blessing!

Gina Warren, April 2019

Maleah Bell
Thank you, Gina. It was a pleasure to work with you on your book!

Reply from Maleah Bell

Read more reviews

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