Living the Dream

I founded The Blessing Conduit because I wanted to be a blessing to others, specifically in sharing my editing talents. In the past year and a half, my core desire has not changed. However, I didn’t realize how rewarding it would be, even just in this short amount of time. I know I shouldn’t be too surprised, though. Since The Blessing Conduit’s very inception, I knew that it was what God wanted me to do.

I certainly have made mistakes, but I refuse to give up, and I learn from my mistakes as I go along.

I just want to take some time to brag on the goodness of God a little bit. He has sent me each of my clients, and they have enriched my life in ways that I never could have imagined. And the best is yet to come!

My first two clients have been awesome. They were so patient with me as I was trying to figure out what I was doing, even before I decided to do this business full-time. They helped me to start figuring out my signature method for editing. One of them helped me to see that I really like typesetting in addition to standard formatting. The other has been helping me become more professional in how I deal with clients.

And then there are the clients who have partnered with me through referrals, and there are several more referrals in the works that I have yet to connect with. Through some of these referrals, I’ve worked on children’s books and memoir/teaching books, and I’ve learned that I enjoy transcribing audio. I have seen that I could potentially reach into the big leagues through my clients. As I build a relationship with each client, they are eager to refer me to their friends, family, and business contacts. It’s a wonderful cycle.

These are some of the skills I have practiced, learned, or discovered in this business:

  • Editing: Mostly substantive, but everything from the big picture down to the small details.
  • Formatting: Everything from basic e-book formatting to professional typesetting.
  • Cover layouts
  • Audio transcription
  • Research
  • How to list books on Amazon and KDP

As much as I am helping my clients, they are also helping me. Each client I’ve worked with has contributed more than just their business, and several clients have helped me tremendously in terms of professional development. Two of them are even professional business coaches. I love having relationships with these people!

A year and a half ago, I had no idea that I would be doing what I am now.

I never thought I would be able to do what I love full-time, and that it would actually work out. Things aren’t perfect by any stretch, but I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I am doing what God wants me to do. And being in the middle of His will is a great thing. I am seeing provision, and I am blessing others, and in return they are also blessing me. I am so thankful for my clients! Whoever I end up working with in the future, I will never forget my first clients.

I remember when I first started to get into editing, even before The Blessing Conduit. I had never considered editing for someone else, but when I had the opportunity to do it, I realized that it was a dream come true. And now, a couple years later, I am living the dream. As I said, I am definitely not doing it perfectly, but I am discovering my strengths and overcoming my weaknesses as I go along. I thank God for the time that I’ve had to discover what I can do. I was able to go through a testing phase in which I learned to pull myself together and build a good foundation.

Now, the sky is the limit!

I really love being able to help people achieve their dreams, whether it be publishing a book or sharing their message through their ministry. I love being able to help them realize new ways to express these things. I know I can’t do everything, but it’s so great that I have the opportunity to do what I do best. God has plans that are far greater than I can ever imagine, and I’m grateful that He is using me to reach the world through my clients.

My future is bright, and great days are ahead!

What are some of the things you are thankful for? Have you had the opportunity to do something you’ve always wanted to do? Are you living the dream? If not, do you know what is holding you back? Please leave a comment, or feel free to send me a message at rachel@theblessingconduit.org.

Published by Rachel

Rachel McDermott wrote and illustrated her first story, titled The Cat and the Rat, at age 7. She has been writing ever since, and has dreamed of becoming a published author. Young Adult Science Fiction is her favorite genre to read and write, and she started writing Christian Young Adult Science Fiction after rededicating her life to Christ in 2009. She is currently in the editing stage of self-publishing her first book, The Crown Jewel.

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