Ruth DeJager
Editor, Proofreader, Indexer,
and Manuscript Developer
A passion for the Scriptures and a commitment to the integrity of the written word have been the guiding principles of Ruth DeJager’s work as a wordsmith for more than 20 years. A graduate of Calvin College with a BA in English, DeJager became an editor in the Bible department at Harper Collins/Zondervan in 1994, a position that provided her with a range of experience in Christian publishing--manuscript development, project management, content editing, proofreading, indexing, and all stages of page proofs. Ruth considers Biblical knowledge the most valuable skill she has acquired in her years as a Bible editor.
DeJager has managed projects such as the NIV Women’s Devotional Bible 2, NIV and NRSV Spiritual Formation Bibles, NIV Collegiate Bible, NIV Encouragement Bible and many others. She has worked with authors such as Joni Eareckson Tada, Dave Draveky, President Jimmy Carter, Philip Yancey, Kenneth Boa, and Jean Syswerda, and with organizations such as the Upper Room and the Navigators.
After leaving Zondervan, Ms. DeJager continued to hone her skills as an independent contractor--editing and proofreading various bibles, bible studies and devotionals. She has contributed editorial expertise to God’s Word for Gardeners (Zondervan), the Worship Bible (Zondervan), the Jeremiah Study Bible (Worthy Publishing Group), and researched and compiled material for NIV Stewardship Bible (Credo Communications); she wrote and edited material for the NIV Grandmother’s Bible (Zondervan) and 365 Days of Hope (World Vision). In addition, Ruth authored Making Praise a Priority for the Mom’s Bible study series (Zondervan) as well as articles for various publications.
Ruth is married and resides in Marne, Michigan. In her spare time she fosters and rehabilitates dachshunds. She also enjoys camping, gardening, reading, and fiber art. Her current and ongoing project is restoring a variety of native trees and plants to the DeJager homestead, enhancing biodiversity and providing habitat to wildlife, including a recently acquired hive of honey bees.