We wanted to get to know Rachel Bradley (NAIWE’s Copyediting Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.
When you look back at the biggest transition points in your life, did you typically see them coming, or did they catch you completely by surprise?
There were big transition points I had planned for myself — getting married, graduating college, home relocations, job changes — but the ones that have drastically shaped my character and identity the most caught me completely by surprise. I never expected to lose a baby in pregnancy, to lose my thirty-six-year-old husband to brain cancer, to become a single mom, or to step into the supernaturally led life that followed as I grew in my relationship with Jesus Christ.
What is the biggest misconception people have about navigating a major life change?
That they “should” be feeling differently, they “should have” made different decisions, they “shouldn’t” be experiencing what’s happening in their lives. The “shoulds” are as unique as each situation is, but everyone deals with them and they create an obstacle to thriving in the midst of the challenge.
How do you separate your personal identity from your editing career when your personal life is going through a massive shift?
I guess this is part of the secret to my success. I don’t separate my personal identity from any part of my life. Each aspect of my life stems from my personal identity, which is deeply and firmly rooted in the love of Jesus Christ for me and everyone I encounter. All of life is profoundly personal and relational, and when we try to get away from that, we lose perspective and we lose ourselves.
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Let’s face it. Life isn’t going to go as planned. Curveballs, unexpected challenges, and even unforeseen blessings can majorly derail the ideas you had for your business. But these don’t have to obliterate your joy or wreck your peace. Even in the midst of juggling government paperwork, taxes, family obligations, and social commitments, it’s possible to stay grounded and successful in the publishing world.
This webinar provides a faith-based approach designed for anyone who is currently facing or who wants to prepare for life’s significant surprises. Rachel Bradley shares proven strategies for maintaining a successful business while navigating major life changes such as the death of a spouse, cross-country relocations, unexpected pregnancies, and newborn seasons.
At the end of this webinar you will be equipped with a greater level of peace, a hopeful expectation for the future of your career, and confidence in your value, worth, and significance.
You can join in this conversation on November 17 at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on managing life’s changes, both those you can prepare for and those that jump out at you. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!
Rachel E. Bradley holds a BS degree in paralegal studies from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma and graduated summa cum laude in 2006. She is a gold member of the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, is an established freelance editor with the Christian Editor Connection, is an instructor with the PEN Institute, is a judge for the Editors’ Choice Award, and has served as faculty for PENCON, the only conference for editors in the Christian market. After serving nine years in the legal field and becoming an advanced certified paralegal, Rachel started her business as a freelance editor and indexer. She now owns Revisions by Rachel Inc. In 2018, Rachel lost her first husband, Matthew, after an intense battle with brain cancer. This life experience carried over into her editing and gave her a new understanding and a fierce compassion for people who feel broken and hurt. In celebration of continued life and hope, Rachel became a licensed skydiver and takes to the skies with her rainbow canopy, “Promises,” any chance she gets. In early 2021, she asked God to choose her next husband. In an incredible tale of trusting God and giving him her yes without exception, Rachel is now joyfully married to Alexander Bradley. They have been assigned the awe-inspiring and continually humbling task of raising two incredible children. Beyond reading, Rachel enjoys Bible studies, dancing during church worship, skydiving, swing dancing, rock climbing, reading, teaching, discussing important issues, watching Star Trek, sewing, cooking, Pilates, horseback riding, water sports, playing guitar, and snow skiing.
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