Marcia Z. Nelson writes about religion and spirituality. Her articles have appeared in various newspapers and magazines. She reviews books in this field, writes regularly for Publishers Weekly and is a correspondent for ReligionLink, an independent source for the media about religion and public life. Her writing has been recognized for excellence by the Religion Newswriters Association and other journalism groups. She is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors.

She has graduate degrees in English and journalism from the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, and has taught at three colleges. She lives with her husband and two children in the Chicago area.