CV | melissariddlechalos

Melissa Riddle Chalos

Address: 1102 Sneed Glen Drive, Franklin, TN 37069

Tel: 615.482.4456

Professional info

A media consultant and communications expert with the gift of storytelling, I've always approached my business the way I approach my personal life: with great intention. Whether building a stronger web presence for my clients, chasing an interview for a deadline or helping young communicators grow, my goal is to give the work at hand my personal and professional best.

Work experience

Freelance Writer & Media Consultant, RiddleMeThis Communications

2000 - present

With eight years of publishing experience, I launched my own company, RiddleMeThis Communications, to expand and better utilize my skillset. For more than a decade, RiddleMeThis has grown exponentially, successfully creating a wide variety of music, publishing and marketing content for clients including Sony Music, Gaylord Entertainment, Thomas Nelson Publishers and Kirkus Reviews. My published work includes human interest features, book reviews, artist biographies, liner notes, catalogs, tour books, gift books, direct mail, ad copy, and radio and television scripts. My consultation services in media/communications and web content/strategy have been integral to my success. Most recently, my client list includes:

US Editor, GooglePlay: 2012 - 2015. As Gospel/Christian music editor, I serve as the primary planner, programmer, curator, and copywriter for the genre and its subgenres.

Content Strategist, UPtv.com (formerly Gospel Music Channel): From 2008 to 2012, I served as an independent consultant for the Atlanta-based cable television network, UPtv. In those four years, I was responsible for developing and overseeing the execution of the company’s web strategy and contributed significantly to the growth of their online presence and digital business.

Managing Editor, CCM Communications

1994 - 2000

As managing editor of Worship Leader magazine, I directed all aspects of magazine production, from editorial content to art direction to budgets, special projects and scheduling. As part of the editorial team at CCM, I contributed to decisions regarding editorial staffing, long and short-range planning, marketing, circulation and advertising. Worship Leader doubled in circulation under my leadership. Upon launching my own company in 2000, I continued as an independent, senior editorial consultant with CCM Magazine, the premiere Christian music publication in the U.S.

Education

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

M.A., Modern American Literature, 1989 - 1991

I began graduate studies at Middle Tennessee State University, pursuing an M.A. in English, then transferred to SIU aftet a year to take an internship at the University Press, in addition to my studies and grad teaching. I completed the program in the Spring of '91.

Welch College (formerly Free Will Baptist College)

B.A., English, Minor in Religious Studies, 1983 - 1987

A small denominationally-based college, Welch College in Nashville, TN, was as narrow theologically as an institution could be, but the education I received there was first-rate. Small classes. Brilliant professors. Life-building experiences.

Publications & Affiliations

The Chicago Tribune

Kirkus Reviews

Christianity Today

Nashville Arts & Entertainment

Life@Work

Beliefnet.com

Artrageous

Vanderbilt Children's Hospital

Thomas Nelson Publishers

W Publishing

BMG Sound & Spirit

Warner Bros.

Atlantic

Gaylord Entertainment

Gospel Music Association

Worship Leader

Crossroads Magazine

Christian Parenting

Campus Life

David C Cook Publishers

Integrity Media

CCM

Lifeway

Today's Christian Woman

GospelMusicChannel.com

UPtv.com

Aspire Magazine

Whoa! Magazine for Women

The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews

The Real Me: Being the Girl God Sees by Natalie Grant

Dear Friend by Staci Orrico

Wake Up! by Daniel Manginelli

Proficiencies

MS Office

Quark

Photoshop

HTML

SEO

Online Portfolio

In Progress

References

Available Upon Request

2010 - present