Morgan James Acquisitions Editors and Literary Scouts connect and work with authors to fine-tune their message and marketing strategies to encourage the utmost success in the publishing process and beyond.
W. Terry Whalin
Associate Publisher/Acquisitions Editor
Terry Whalin understands both sides of the editorial desk–as an editor and a writer. Terry worked previously as a magazine editor, and a book acquisitions editor at Howard Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster and David C. Cook and he also ran his own literary agency for a couple of years.
Terry’s nonfiction writing has appeared in magazines like Christianity Today, Writer’s Digest, The Writer, and more than 50 other publications. Terry is an active member of The American Society of Journalists and Authors, which is the leading nonfiction writers group in the United States.
Terry has written more than 60 books through traditional publishers on a wide range of topics from children’s books to biographies to co-authored books. Several of Terry’s books have sold over 100,000 copies. Terry and his wife, Christine, live in California.
Larry Leech
Associate Publisher/Acquisitions Editor
A veteran of forty-plus years in publishing, Larry J. Leech II almost always has a hot chai latte within reach. Between sips, Larry loves to work with words as the writing coach of award-winning authors, a freelance editor, and Associate Publisher for Morgan James Publishing. During his first 23 years in the business at daily newspapers, he wrote more than 2,300 articles. Since moving into book publishing in the early 2000s, he has ghostwritten 35 books, edited more than 500 manuscripts, and coached hundreds of authors through the writing and publication process. For more than two decades Larry has taught at more than 100 general market and inspirational conferences nationwide. When he has a minute, Larry enjoys anything Star Wars. He and his wife, Wendy, live in Upstate South Carolina near their son and his family.
Bethany Marshall
Publisher, Aitia Press
Bethany Marshall has played an integral role in the success of Morgan James Publishing, working closely with the company since 2008. An entrepreneur at heart, Bethany has worked with thousands of authors, and is passionate about working with authors who have a powerful message to share. Bethany helps Morgan James’ authors smoothly navigate the publishing process to ensure a final product that fully represents them and their vision. Bethany recognizes that the landscape of publishing is rapidly changing and enjoys finding innovative approaches to continue growth both for Morgan James and for our authors.
Anne MacDonald
Acquisitions Editor
Anne Brooks MacDonald brings a multifaceted perspective to publishing, with experience as a bestselling author, acquisitions manager, speaker, editor, and writing coach. She hosts Debut Writers, a podcast focused on the writing journey, and contributes to the Pensacola Mom’s Collective blog, where she also hosts the Raising Pensacola podcast.
An experienced speaker, Anne has presented at industry events, including IBPA’s PubU Conference, WriterFest, the Beyond Words Festival, and the Women in Publishing Summit. She also serves on the board of the Emerald Coast Writers Association.
With over five years of experience in acquisitions and editing—and 14 years as a teacher—she’s uniquely skilled at helping writers clarify their voice, strengthen their message, and reach their audience purposefully.
With a warm, collaborative approach and a deep understanding of craft and market, Anne is passionate about acquiring books that make an impact and helping authors feel supported every step of the way.
Krissy Nelson
Acquisitions Editor
Krissy Nelson, whose career began in operations management, transitioned to the world of writing and publishing in 2011 while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with a baby and toddler. Her relentless effort and passion led to the publication of her first non-fiction book within the next five years, marking the start of an exciting decade dedicated to writing and in-depth exploration of the publishing sector.
Her creative endeavors span a wide range, from writing to developing online courses to producing and hosting television programs that enjoy global viewership today. Krissy has also passionately worked with numerous authors, providing group and one-on-one coaching, guiding them through the journey of writing and publishing, and helping them manage the business aspects of what she endearingly calls “The Author Life.”
Krissy finds her greatest joy at home on the picturesque Gulf Coast with her two beautiful children and her husband of more than 20 years. She relishes outdoor family activities, writing, and reading. After playing a pivotal role in initiating two hybrid publishing companies, Krissy is thrilled to bring her extensive experience and enthusiasm to Morgan James.
Michael Harris
Literary Scout
Michael is a #1 bestselling author and transformation expert and is on a mission to empower others to live life to their fullest potential. He specializes in helping others break down pre-conceived limitations to discover their full potential, enabling them to create the life they’ve always dreamed of.
In addition to his private coaching and consulting work, Michael is dedicated to helping others write, publish, and market their books. His focus is working with coaches, experts, and entrepreneurs to share their stories with the world through books, speaking engagements, podcasting, and building successful businesses.
As a featured Transformation Expert at Centerpointe Research Institute, Michael’s commitment to personal growth is unwavering. He exudes a contagious enthusiasm for living life to the fullest and believes in encouraging others to do the same.
You’ll find him exploring the Cascade Mountains and desert near his Oregon home in his spare time. One of his favorite expressions is, “trails are for tourists.” In other words, “forge your own path!”
Linda and Reen Waterman
Associate Publishers, Non-Fiction Division
Linda and Reen Waterman bring more than four decades of combined experience in writing, publishing, and strategic communication to the Morgan James team. As founders of Waterman Communication Group and the Your Refreshed Life ministry, they help authors and leaders turn
meaningful ideas into books and messages that create lasting impact.
Linda Waterman is an award-winning author of more than 20 traditionally published books, a writing coach, and a national speaker. Her career includes senior communications roles with government, global ministries, and national organizations. She is a recipient of the National Religious Broadcasters Genesis Award and holds a master’s degree in Journalism and
Communications.
Reen Waterman is an author, business coach, and communications trainer with extensive leadership experience spanning military service, corporate leadership, and executive coaching. He is known for equipping professionals and organizations with practical tools for influence, professionalism, and purpose-driven leadership.
Married for over two decades, Linda and Reen work together as a dynamic team, serving authors and audiences with clarity, integrity, and a passion for transformational storytelling.
Les Hughes
Literary Scout, Faith Division
Les Hughes is a pastor to pastors, mentor/coach, strategist to leaders, author, and entrepreneur. His diverse experience in ministry, the marketplace, and higher education give him a unique perspective.
Les has served in pastoral ministry for over thirty years in Mississippi, Alabama, and Kentucky, with a four-year stretch at Mississippi College as Chair of the Christian Studies and Philosophy Department. He earned a Master of Divinity degree and a Ph. D. in New Testament and Greek Studies from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Les and his wife, Page, live in Alabaster, Alabama. They have four children (Les III, Caleb, Luke, and Gené) and fourteen grandchildren.