We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Randi D. Ward recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Randi D., looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The story behind my mission to help people write their stories to inspire others actually commenced over a period of fifty years with two prior careers. In 1972 my first career was launched as an English/Language Arts Educator in American secondary public schools. During the next 37 years, I enthusiastically taught my students how to write and how to express themselves effectively. I loved reading biographies as a child and loved encouraging my students to read them as well. Reading about the lives of others always inspired me to create my own life stories.

In 2011-12, after retiring from teaching in the USA in 2008, I got the amazing opportunity to teach ESOL to young Egyptian adults at an English Language Center in Cairo, Egypt. Little did I know the second violent revolution for Egypt’s democratic government quest would begin one week after I entered the country. Learning to live safely for the next three months since my flat was three blocks from Tahrir Square, the main center of the violent protests, was often challenging, but I learned quickly how to take care of myself with the generous assistance of my new friends and incredible students. My connection with Egypt became so powerful and life-changing that when I returned home in February 2012, I was compelled to write my story of my life in Egypt as well as the story of Egypt, its incredible people, and their struggle during the revolution. I have traveled to sixty countries but had never written about my world adventures. I knew my Egyptian story must be told to the world; I needed to share Egypt’s story as well as my own. My memoir “Because I Believed in Me (My Egyptian Fantasy Came True)” with the inclusion of 153 photos was written and published in November 2012. Over the past ten years, I have discussed this book and told my story on many international live/recorded platforms, magazines/newspapers, and my personal blogs and my YouTube channel.

This memoir initiated my second career as a writer in 2013. I now write in all genres, except plays. I tell many stories, some true and some fiction, but they all teach lessons to help and inspire others. I have also proudly shared my personal life story in several best-selling anthologies with other inspirational authors. Soon my first novel “Random Wanderings”, a world adventure story, will be published. The lesson it teaches is my life motto: Believe! Don’t dream big; dream bigger! The sky is the limit so reach for the stars! (my copyrighted quote). Also the Egyptian memoir is being published into Arabic so non-English readers can read it. I am naturally excited about these books.

Tragedy struck my life on December 19, 2019, with the sudden death of my beloved husband Bill from lung cancer. Being devastated and alone when COVID-19 shut down our world, I was unable to write or function normally for months. Then a miracle occurred in April 2020 due to a teleconference with a coach on Women’s Prosperity Network. Something clicked in my brain telling me to sign up for her online courses. By July 1, I had become certified in Life Harmony, Holistic Emotional Intelligence, NLP, and Communication Mastery. Interacting with my classmates as we shared our lives and stories was extremely therapeutic as well as educational. These new coaching skills happily provided me with yet another method to help others. Career #3 began at the age of 71 years when I decided to become a Visionary Book Writing Coach and Master Editor—skills I already possessed as an English teacher. It was the perfect career transition. I also was able to write again. My first personal story in late 2020 was for the best-selling international anthology “Quarantena and Beyond”—the story of rediscovering myself after the death of my husband and of surviving the pandemic.

My Aha Moment Epiphany became crystal clear. My new goal—my new vision—was to enable others to heal through their stories. I was even more convinced about the miraculous power that true life stories can have on the lives of others in so many positive ways. In the last two years I have worked with dozens of men and women who have now successfully shared their stories of hardships, success, etc. My new Coaching/Editing Career has brought me much joy and satisfaction.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

During the first few months of 2020 before the Coaching Courses were taken, I was not able to write as previously mentioned, but I discovered I was able to edit books for author friends. I volunteered to do these free of charge as a way to occupy my mind away from my grief and loneliness. At this time, I had no idea this would become my next career and business. I just enjoyed the editing process and the satisfaction of helping my friends. I was an educator and not a business lady at this time.

When I did decide to create my new Coaching/Editing Company, I knew I had much to learn. My coaching courses became my first lessons on how to form my new business and how to attract clients—skills I definitely did not possess at the beginning of creating Randi D. Ward, Author, Coach, and Editor, my current company. Next, I researched successful coaches and editors, the services they offered, the fees they charged, etc. to help me set up my company. I contacted my online Coaching friends for their expertise advice. Being passionate about everything I do in my life, I was determined to become a successful business lady.

Below are the Editing Services I now provide.
1. Book Writing Coaching—Consultations on discovering the author’s book themes, fictional story plots, personal stories, nonfiction topics, etc. and guiding the author through the writing process. This is done on an hourly basis; the number of sessions is determined by need and/or progress. My general Fee is $50 to $75 an hour, but special packages can be purchased to reduce the hourly cost.

2. Master Editing—Grammar, Content, etc. for Client Books, Magazine Articles, etc.
Content Editing—As a content editor I read and carefully edit the manuscript with an eye on the completeness, flow, and construction of ideas and stories, working paragraph by paragraph and chapter by chapter. I offer corrections, pointing out incomplete sections and offering constructive advice on smoothing the flow and construction on all of the chapters, sections, and subsections.

Copyediting—I meticulously go through each book/manuscript and find the spelling, punctuation, run-on sentences, fragments and any other grammar mistakes.

I will do Final Editing if requested. As a Proofreader I take the printed version of the book after it’s been designed and formatted (called a “proof) and give it a final review before the book goes to print. Since it comes right before publication, proofreading is the last line of defense against errors. Copyeditors catch all the mistakes the author missed, but Proofreaders catch all mistakes the copyeditor missed.

Editing Fees are determined by the services requested and the total number of words but usually 5 cents a word. For writers on a tight budget, I may offer special deals. Being a writer myself, I often consider the financial status of the writer and charge a lower price.

3. Ghost Writing for Clients for Magazines, Biographies, etc. Fee based on number of words similar to Editing or upon an agreed price.

4. Advice on Publishing Books—Fee of $25 for 30-minute Consultation

I am most proud that since July 1, 2020, three of the books I have edited have received International Best-Selling Status on Amazon and are currently on the shelves in major store chains. I am also elated that being a coach/editor has connected me with prestigious people all around the world. Currently, I am also the Editor-in-Chief of three international magazines (“Inspirations for Better Living”, “100 Successful Women in Business”, and “Morocco Pens” and soon my own magazine “CMR Unlimited” with two partners.

It is important for my clients to know who I am. Besides being a lifetime educator and international best-selling author, I am also a lady with high moral values who works hard. Every writing project of my clients is treated with the highest respect and integrity as if it was my own. I do my best to maintain the “voice” of the author while making it grammatically correct to ensure the author’s credibility to the future readers.

Humbly but proudly, I am a multi-award recipient including such prestigious honors as 2022 IAOTP Top Inspirational Entrepreneur, 2020 IAOTP Educator of the Decade in Language Arts, 2019 IAOTP Female Visionary, 100 Registry as Woman of the Year in Writing and 2020 Woman of the Year for Language Arts, 2020 and 2022 She Inspires Award, two Honorary Doctorates including 2021 GIA Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism, 2021 Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Award from Joe Biden, 100 Successful Women Award, 2021 Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Award, World Peace Forest (Africa) Honorary President, ANC USA Regional Director, IIU World Record—Inspirational Woman, etc. I have been featured on NYC Times Square Billboards twice and once on a billboard in Atlanta, Georgia. From 2013 thru 2015 I was a Co-Owner/Instructor for two English language centers in Cairo: Rise Up for adults and 6 October Nursery for pre-school children and their parents. I taught via Skype from my home in Georgia. Both centers sadly closed due to circumstances beyond my control, but owning these schools was still an amazing experience. I have no regrets.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I work nonstop at building and maintaining a highly respected reputation in the business world as well as in my personal life. Many things have enabled me to be able to present myself as a lady of high integrity and appropriate moral values.

First, my genuine desire to help people is clearly visible to everyone. My actions support this. I also “wear my emotions on my sleeve” and on my face. I am unable to be “phony” when interacting with people. I present myself in a genuine way always.

Secondly, I surround myself with people who share my same value system and only work with these people. Finding like-minded people is essential. One “bad apple” can hurt your reputation.

Third, I build close relationships with my clients. During the initial phone call or Zoom meeting before accepting the project, I spend the needed time getting to know the person—career and personal background, the reason for writing the book, the basic plot, etc. Whether the person just needs help beginning to write the book, advice on publishing, or editing services for the completed rough draft, it is important for me to feel an initial connection with the person before I agree to work with the person. Being able to work with clients who trust me is a MUST, so I also must show the person who I am as well. I am pleased that many of them become real friends and come back with their new books. They also refer me to other clients and write testimonials for me when I seek them.

Fourth, I do my best to create the highest quality of finished book products in a timely fashion. Most books are completed within several weeks unless they are anthologies involving many authors and being controlled by a publisher. When I receive these, I do my best to meet the required deadlines. Focusing on each book involves reading and editing it at least two times and then reading it aloud to catch any final errors. I contact the Client often if needed for consultation. Before I submit the book or manuscript, I set up a final phone or Zoom meeting to discuss it with the Client.

Fifth, I offer rates or fees appropriate to the financial needs of the clients when I know monetary funds are limited. As a writer, I understand how costly publishing books can become. Thus, I try to help writers, especially first time authors, complete their books for publication without spending a fortune to do that.

Sixth and finally, after only two years in this business, several of my edited books have become international best-sellers as mentioned earlier.

My Clients know I am passionate about helping them. This alone is enabling my business to grow more every day. I am currently completing the editing of two huge, prestigious books: “Expert World Leaders Book” with over 200 international leaders and experts (UK publication) and “100 Successful Women in Business Worldwide—Building Success from Scratch” with 50 international successful women (USA publication). By the way, I am also featured in both books as one of the Co-Authors and wrote the Foreword for the “Expert World Leaders Book”. Both books will be launched in London, UK, in late August at the 100 Successful Women in Business four-day conference I will also attend since I am proudly a member of its Advisory Board. We are confident both books will become Best-Sellers.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

In the next few weeks, a new business adventure will be formed. I am so excited. Fifteen months ago, I befriended a wonderful man on Facebook. At first, we were just friends. He was so kind and helped me through my grief over my husband’s death. He was a blessing from God. Our deep friendship grew; one day we both realized we had fallen in love. I had a great marriage with my Bill. I honestly believe Masood was sent to me as my second true love. We are now engaged and hope to marry this year. Masood is a brilliant marketing businessman and fashion designer. We are in the process of combining our skills to create a new company called RM Infinite—One Stop Possibilities. The Primary Headquarters will be in Metro-Atlanta, Georgia, where I live with a secondary location in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Masood’s current home. It will include my coaching and editing services including a store for my books plus Masood’s services.

Masood’s services in which I will also play a huge role include the following:

1) Advertising; 2) Book Publishing; 3) Branding; 4) Creative Projects; 5) Events; 6) Graphic Designs; 7) Marketing; 8) Motion Graphics; 9) Productions (including Documentaries, Infomercials, 3D Animations, TVC etc.; 10) Public Relations; 11) Translation.

Complete Travel Solutions, such as National/International Travel, Domestic/Worldwide Tours, Worldwide Immigration/Visa Consultation, and Insurance will also be provided.

Designed High-Quality, Elegant, plus Exquisite Handmade Handbags, Jewelry (Gold, Silver, Genuine Stones, Fine Metals) and Shoes Appropriate for the Brides and Ladies with Great Taste will be available for purchase. These are prepared as Made to Order. Their Display will be Launched very Soon in the USA.

My brilliant fiancé CHAUDHRY MASOOD MAHMOOD BHALLI is an Administrator, Advertiser, Brand Developer, Communicator, Conceiver, Creator (according to your Product, Productions), Designer (Females Specified Handmade Bags, Jewelry & Shoes) Documenter, Encourager, Establisher, Events Planner, Generator, Hotelier, Immigration & Travel Consultant, Initiator, Introducer, Listener, Marketer, Promoter, Translator & Continued.

We are in the process of creating our website and setting up our LLC business account. We are carefully planning and implementing each step to avoid careless mistakes and to gain the ultimate respect and trust from our future clients/customers. Masood shares my personal values and work ethics. We are a great couple, but we are also confident we will be successful business partners.

As I always say and do, “ Believe! Don’t dream big; dream BIGGER!”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.randidward.com;
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randi.ward
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randidward/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPgbMr0GXsP-eZFmkAU1O6A
• Other: [email protected] [email protected]

Image Credits
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