Maleah Bell - Editor
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.
Services
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Sunny Slope
Jorgensen, Jane
Spike and Babe
Jorgensen, Philip A., Jane
Urban Legends of Theology: 40 Common Misconceptions
Wittmer, Michael E.
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
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
Reply from Maleah Bell
Maleah is wonderful. She makes magic out of manuscripts!
Frannie Rose, June 2021
Reply from Maleah Bell
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
Reply from Maleah Bell
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
Reply from Maleah Bell
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
Reply from Maleah Bell
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