Melina Bellows
Editor-in-Chief of one of the largest children's magazines in the world.
Melina Bellows, mom of two, wakes up every morning in the busy, busy city of Washington D.C. to face yet another day at her job at National Geographic Kids magazine. With a bachelor’s degree in Science, and a history of editing, she’s prepared to tackle the tasks of the day. At 1.3 million subscribers, NG Kids is one of the largest magazines for kids in the world, and has a long standing history of awards and appreciation from kids and adults alike. Melina Bellows is in the heat of it all, traveling the world, editing, and writing books in her spare time. Could you grow up to become the editor of a Super-magazine? Dream BIG and dive in to our exclusive interview to get a behind the scenes look from Melina Bellows, the Editor-in-Chief of NG Kids and NG Little Kids, to find out!
AK: Do you think of yourself as an editor, writer, or both? Are the roles the same, or very different?
MB: I think of myself as a storyteller. Sometimes I write the story, sometimes I help someone else tell the story. The roles are very different, but I enjoy them both.
AK: If you weren’t an editor, what would you be? What did you want to be as a kid?
MB: I have no idea! Definitely something creative, like an artist or writer or screenwriter. When I was a kid I wanted to write and create the art for Hallmark Greeting Cards, or I wanted to work in advertising.
AK: What have you learned from working with kids?
MB: learned that kids are way smarter than adults! They are also more fun to be around!
AK: What’s the coolest place you’ve traveled to as the Editor-in-Chief of an international magazine?
MB: I went on National Geographic's "Around the World by Private Jet" trip. I got to globe hop to the world's greatest hits like the pyramids in Egypt, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and a safari in Africa.
AK: What makes National Geographic Kids one of the largest children’s magazines in the world?
MB: We have the magazine equivalent of a secret sauce recipe. We have cracked the code to what kids want to read about, and what parents feel good about letting their kids read.
AK: Did you have a mentor that helped guide you in your career as an editor? If so, who was it, and how did they help you?
MB: I have been privileged enough to have mentors every step of the way. Sometimes my mentors are boss-types, and other times they are kids who are passionate about what they do. I think you can learn from everyone you meet as long as you have the right perspective.
AK: How has being the Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic Kids changed your view to the world of nature/animals?
MB: I took the job because of my love of animals. I can learn something new about animals every day, which is one of the best job perks of working here. Did you know that butterflies taste with their feet?
AK: What should kids do if they want to be an editor when they grow up? Are there any important hobbies or activities that will help prepare kids?
MB: They should read, write, and talk to other people. They should practice listening skills and find things that they are passionate about.
AK: What do you like most about the National Geographic Kids magazine? What is your favorite part about it?
MB: I love how it’s jam-packed with info. I love the “Weird But True” facts, and the animal stories that defy explanation, like the dog that sniffed out a cancerous mole on his owner or the cat that stopped a burglar from robbing its home.
AK: What do you think the best part about being the Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic Kids is?
MB: I never wanted to become the Editor in Chief. I just put my head down, got to work, tried like heck, and then one day it happened. I'm fortunate that I get to work on a product that I love.
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