I've been posting a lot about the services I'm offering (cause I'm excited haha) and haven't taken the time to really sit down and give you guys insight into what is happening with my business, so I thought I would do that now (I'm totally going to mention my services again, but their not the main topic haha).

The Business

When I started working towards a freelance business back in August of 2018, I did so with the goal of having this become my full-time job. Why? Because I don't fit into the corporate box that society tells me I have to fit into. People slaving away and still not making enough to live on. I was (and am) fed up with this model of living. 

I've wanted to be my own boss since I was 17 because I hated working for people who didn't appreciate me or the work I put in. I would give 110% and get very little in return.

Writing for a living has been a dream of mine since I was a teen. Whenever someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would always tell them, "I want to be an author."

At which point they would give me a sympathetic look that said, That's nice, but what about a real job?  (-____-)

I started off being terrified by the thought of freelance work. Then I decided to jump into it back in August with Silverhand Freelance. But I quickly lost faith in myself and decided that I should write stories instead. So I pivoted the business towards ghostwriting. Then I realized that writing other people's stories was not the right route to go. I pivoted again, this time focusing on myself, with S.D. Howard | Author.

In looking for work, however, I've found a deep passion for developmental editing. This is when you take a look at the big picture of the story and then help the author course correct the plot, characters, flow, and more. 

I've helped three clients so far with their stories and have received 5-star reviews from them (which I'm so grateful for!) and look forward to working with them in the future!

I've also started doing coaching, which has been a dream of mine for months now. I charge more for this because I literally walk with you from the very start. Brainstorming, outlining, characters, plotting, and much more. No clients as of yet (only been live for 2 days haha) but I cannot wait to start helping people write the stories they've been dreaming about for days/months/years.

The idea of what my business is has changed a lot over the last 6mo. I'm learning a lot, too. Here are some of the things I've learned and am learning:

1) How to build a website from scratch

2) How to brand my business

3) How to do marketing and promotion

4) How to build a following (you guys are the best ;D )

5) How to write a blog

6) I am capable of more than I thought

7) I am only limited by myself

8) That I can do hard things (running a business is no walk in the park, let me tell ya haha)

The Personal

Writing has been in my lift since I was 16 and I had to write a poem about an object without telling what it was. That poem (which was sadly lost) sparked the fire in my heart for writing. From poems to writing my first fanfiction, I couldn't get enough of it. Storytelling is in my blood.

As a kid, I could have been on National Geographic. On our home videos, you would see little 5yr old me explaining to my parents all about the animals we would see on our vacation. I would also make sure to explain (usually in agonizing detail) certain events. 

As I said, I'm a storyteller.

But for me, there is so much more to it. When I'm telling a story I feel so much closer to God. It is both an act of worship to HIm and a gift to me; a way of expressing the deepest parts of myself. I believe that is why I am so passionate about helping others write their stories. I want them to discover things about themselves that they have never known before.

I am an encourager. I'm not perfect at it, and the people who cut me off in traffic certainly don't get my best, but in a world that is filled with so much hatred, negativity, and people constantly putting their fears on others, I want to be the difference. 

I've read works that have been really, really, really rough. I've seen OTHER AUTHORS(!) tearing down authors who are trying to find out what story they have to tell, and dammit, it makes me mad.

That is why I try so hard to be honest about what I see AND talk about how it could be better. My business model is one of integrity, honesty, and encouragement. 

What you get with me isn't simply an author, developmental editor, or coach. There's plenty of those out there, and they have degrees that I will never have.

With me, you get: heart (I want to see you succeed), passion (I'm committed to you and your story), honesty (I shoot straight, but I will never degrade you or your work), commitment (I will walk this writing journey with you), and a fan (I will cheer for you no matter what).

This is what my business is about. This is what I am learning through my business.

My message to you is this:

Never give up on your dream. Don't be afraid to change. Embrace the imposter because they are the future you. It's okay if it doesn't look like how you imagined; it just means that God has bigger plans.

S.D. Howard | Author & Developmental Editor

Developmental Editing That Inspires