We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Danelle Young. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Danelle below.

Danelle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

All the projects I’ve taken on are meaningful. I have to be selective right now because I’m a stay-at-home mom with two young boys. My most recent published collaboration is with author Chrissy Whitten. We’ve worked together on two books so far and she plans to release more. Helping her share her story has inspired me along the way. Her series Journals from a Warrior’s Mother is dear to my heart because while I worked on formatting her first book, I had a miscarriage. Chrissy writes about her own losses and shares Scripture, songs, and soul food that encouraged me through that experience. I love how Chrissy trusts God to guide her through everything—valleys, mountains, heartache, anger, new endeavors . . . . It’s really inspiring!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I began editing in 2019 when Cheryl Goss, founder of Connecting Ministries, asked if I could help her with her memoir. I had already contributed to the organization voluntarily as an editor and writer. Her platform was growing and she was ready to share her story with the world. The experience was life-changing for me. The work of editing, formatting, and helping her self-publish was so fulfilling.

At the time, I was expecting my second child and was already thinking about resigning from my corporate job to stay home with my kids. So the timing was providential. At that point, it felt right to pivot to self-employment. Thankfully, my husband’s income is enough to support our family, so I don’t have that pressure. However, I can relate to all the single entrepreneurs out there, because I’ve been one in the past. I love opportunities where the sky is the limit! I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart.

I currently offer line editing and copyediting for non-fiction and book formatting for both fiction and non-fiction. I refer out for developmental editing and proofreading (feel free to contact me if you provide those services). I specialize in Christian non-fiction. I’m really proud of the published books I’ve contributed to (five in the past four years) and the referrals I’ve received. That number will double this year. I’m already thinking about how to scale and grow a team.

I’m still working on my website, but my brand revolves around leaving a legacy. Not only will I be sharing helpful resources for aspiring authors there, I’ll be sharing ideas and articles on other types of legacy. Most people want to leave the world a better place and pass on their faith, values, knowledge, and memories to the next generation. How can we be intentional about that? If that’s an interest of yours, I’d love to connect!

Have you ever had to pivot?

I cringe when I think about changing careers because I’ve done it several times. A new career means starting over and climbing learning curves, but that leads to personal growth, more experience, a larger network, and hopefully work that’s more enjoyable. I like the word pivot. I grew up playing basketball and that word resonates with me. When I think of an athlete pivoting, they’re in motion. They’re moving a ball toward the goal. They may have to move back or change directions, but they do it to create space for progress.

Prior to this, I worked for a reputable financial firm. I was proud to be a partner there. After working as a self-employed Realtor through the 2008 market crash, it was nice to have a base salary and be a part of a team (post pivot one). I spent the next ten years in various positions learning about investments and the financial business. I didn’t plan to leave.

Life led me to a new town, marriage, and the prospect of starting a family. I was able to stay with the firm through the move and even landed the opportunity of a lifetime in my new town. I accepted that opportunity and started training. After several months, it became apparent that the position was not a good fit for me. It was hampering my health and happiness. I spent nearly every waking hour working. A lot of responsibility would be riding on my shoulders if I continued. Would I be able to start a family on top of this? Maybe. But that wasn’t the life I wanted for myself or my child. I was 35 at the time and felt like it was now or never if I wanted to have children. I know my capacity and I didn’t think I could do both well and live a healthy lifestyle. I had to choose.

Picking up the phone to call and resign from that position might be the hardest thing I’ve ever done (pivot two). I was walking away from a gracious offer and six-figure income. But the relief that followed confirmed I’d made the right decision. I now have two beautiful boys and am doing work on the side that brings me joy.

Pivoting can feel like a setback, but having various professional and personal experiences lends to my ability to converse with people, relate to them, and edit manuscripts.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

A book I recommend to anyone in business is “Stories That Stick” by Kindra Hall. I listened to the audio book last year and really enjoyed it. I’m going to buy a hard copy and reread. Kindra gives examples of effective business storytelling and describes four kinds of stories you can use to captivate your audience and communicate your message. Obviously, I help people tell their stories, so the topic is interesting to me, but this book is for everyone who wants to engage with people and influence them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.danelleyoung.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legacy_books_and_blog/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanelleYoungLegacyBooks
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danelle-young-3478986/

Image Credits
Maria Clark Photography