In 2019, I was a political science professor who was fed up with the stress and hostility of academia–not to mention the low pay. I left my tenure-track job and went from barely surviving to thriving as a freelance academic editor. Today, I own Acadia Editing Services, an editing and coaching business that brings in six figures a year.
In this podcast, I’ll discuss the challenges of academia, what academic editing involves, and what life as a freelancer looks like. If you’re willing to jump outside your comfort zone, it IS possible to find joy, true flexibility, and a profitable and rewarding career as an academic editor.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 2019, I was a political science professor who was fed up with the stress and hostility of academia–not to mention the low pay. I left my tenure-track job and went from barely surviving to thriving as a freelance academic editor. Today, I own Acadia Editing Services, an editing and coaching business that brings in six figures a year.
In this podcast, I’ll discuss the challenges of academia, what academic editing involves, and what life as a freelancer looks like. If you’re willing to jump outside your comfort zone, it IS possible to find joy, true flexibility, and a profitable and rewarding career as an academic editor.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“You Can’t Eat Prestige.”
It’s a brutal truth that haunts many academics—but what does it actually mean?
In this raw and radically honest episode, I sit down with coaches Tory Wobber and Jen Polk to unpack one of the hardest parts of leaving academia: letting go of your academic identity.
For so many of us, being a professor isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. We internalize the idea that we’re special, self-sacrificing, and above the grubby world of capitalism. But all that prestige? It doesn’t pay the bills. And it definitely doesn’t buy you freedom.
Tory and Jen offer a compassionate, no-BS conversation about how to grieve your academic identity, try on new ones, and build a life that actually makes you happy—even if it’s outside the ivory tower.
Drawing from their own exits from academia and years of coaching other scholars through the same process, they reveal just how common—and navigable—this identity shift can be.
By the end of this episode, you’ll feel seen and supported. You’ll have practical tools to begin detaching your self-worth from your job title. And you'll have permission to build an identity that’s truly yours.
▶ Sign up for Tory's newsletter
Join 2000 PhDs on the Academic Exit Newsletter to receive free tools and techniques for how to move from academia into industry quickly and easily:
https://www.academicexit.com/opt-in-36add534-500b-4e74-a319-408d4810480e
▶ Subscribe to Jen’s From PhD to Life newsletter to get advice and resources for professors, postdocs, and other PhDs who are ready to change careers, even if that means moving away from academia or their discipline: https://subscribe.fromphdtolife.com/
▶ Get Paulina’s free workbook
Love what you do but hate where you do it? Get my free workbook Map Your Academic Business and start building your “Plan B.” Use your academic training inside a profitable business that you control–no more free labor, no more toxic workplace, no more burnout. https://acadiaediting.com/map
1. **00:00** - Transitioning from academic to alternative careers discussed.
2. **01:11** - Cultural norms in academia strongly influence identity.
3. **02:52** - Academics often feel a calling, tying work to identity.
4. **05:00** - Discussing barriers to seeing oneself in new roles.
5. **06:15** - Grieving the loss of previous academic identity is crucial.
6. **09:02** - Finding personal identity beyond job titles emphasized.
7. **14:56** - Practicing new identities through self-reflection suggested.
8. **17:00** - Importance of letting go of old descriptors for self-identity.
9. **18:56** - Emphasizing gradual exploration of new professional identities.
10. **20:00** - Taking small steps towards new roles instead of abrupt changes encouraged.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are PhD career coaches worth the money??
In this week's podcast episode, I'm joined by fabulous PhD career coaches Victoria (Tory) Wobber, PhD, CPCC and Jennifer Polk, PhD to answer this very question.
Rather than just saying "yes" and patting ourselves on the back, we share insights into our own experiences working with coaches and clients and give some tips on when and how you might go about choosing a coach to work with.
🎃 Jen shares her own journey from academia into coaching
🎃 I talk about how my childhood affected my own money mindset
🎃 Tory explains how a talented coach can help you feel good about yourself and your job search so you don't end up mired in self-doubt
Tune in for this info and other spicy snippets, and keep your eyes peeled for more videos from these lovely post-ac coaches! 🤩
Happy Halloween! 👻
Learn from PhD Career Coaches Tory Wobber (Academic Exit) and Jen Polk (From PhD to Life) in conversation with PhD Business Coach Paulina Cossette (Acadia Editing) about whether and when coaches are worth the money.
Looking for more resources to chart your path outside of academia?
▶ Sign up for Tory's newsletter
Join 2000 PhDs on the Academic Exit Newsletter to receive free tools and techniques for how to move from academia into industry quickly and easily:
https://www.academicexit.com/opt-in-3...
▶ Subscribe to Jen’s From PhD to Life newsletter to get advice and resources for professors, postdocs, and other PhDs who are ready to change careers, even if that means moving away from academia or their discipline: https://subscribe.fromphdtolife.com/
▶ Get Paulina’s free workbook
Love what you do but hate where you do it? Get my free workbook Map Your Academic Business and start building your “Plan B.” Use your academic training inside a profitable business that you control–no more free labor, no more toxic workplace, no more burnout.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if your own accountability tool became a profitable business--and academic escape plan?
Dr. Nicole Pettitt didn’t set out to build a business. She just wanted accountability for her own writing. So she launched a free co-writing group for women in grad school—and it quietly became a coaching business, with paid clients and real impact.
Many academics want a “Plan B” but don’t know where to start. They feel stuck between their current role and the unknowns of entrepreneurship—especially when they still enjoy aspects of their job.
Nicole started with what she already had: experience advising grad students, a deep understanding of writing struggles, and a Zoom link. From there, she organically built a coaching business—without quitting her tenure-line role.
In this episode, she shares how she turned her Saturday morning co-writing group into a business that supports women finishing their dissertations—while staying in alignment with her values and energy.
Whether you’re toying with a side hustle or looking for a sustainable exit strategy from academia, Nicole’s story will give you the clarity and confidence to begin.
🔗 Learn more about the BAE program: AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor
Connect with Nicole:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-pettitt/
Email: drnicolep31@gmail.com
01:24 – Nicole's shift toward supporting women in academia
05:14 – Balancing academic roles with entrepreneurial aspirations
08:11 – Free writing group beneficial for community building
09:13 – Majority of clients found through the writing group
10:57 – Importance of providing community for online doctoral students
12:11 – Similarities between coaching others and personal challenges
14:30 – Bridging the gap between knowledge and action
14:30 – The necessity of community and feedback for doctoral students
16:07 – Community aspects tied to external feedback in coursework
18:48 – Recognizing that information alone isn’t enough for student success
22:39 – Advice to focus on one-on-one coaching first
24:56 – Writing group as a funnel for attracting one-on-one clients
26:03 – Clarity is key to helping clients execute their projects
30:20 – Establishing boundaries between coaching and editing services
36:39 – Pricing coaching services fairly based on value offered
42:03 – Strategies for promoting coaching services to writing group members
48:40 – Testing marketing strategies as a scientific experiment
49:43 – Understanding client pain points as core to effective marketing
50:53 – Providing contact information for potential clients
51:21 – Encouragement for women to pursue their academic goals
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🎙️ AI is NOT taking your editing job—unless you let it.
In this episode, I’m joined by Erin Servais, a former fiction editor and agency owner who pivoted her entire career after asking ChatGPT to edit a paragraph.
Erin has since trained hundreds of editors in 20+ countries in her signature course, AI for Editors.
She shares:
🤖 How she transitioned from agency work to AI instruction
🤖 The Star Trek-fueled curiosity that led her to AI long before it was cool
🤖 Why vague prompts ruin AI editing—and how to fix them
🤖 Her favorite tools for developmental, line, and copy editing with AI
🤖 Why emotional resistance to AI is valid—and how to move through it
Whether you’re curious or resistant, this episode will shift your mindset and give you concrete tools to future-proof your editing business.
📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Erin’s course: aiforeditors.com
Tools discussed: Notebook LM, ChatGPT, Claude, Draftsmith
🔗 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor
00:00 - AI is powerful but requires knowledgeable human editors.
01:03 - Editors need skills in AI prompting for effective editing.
13:39 - Interest in AI has developed over a long career in editing.
15:30 - Specific prompts lead to better editing results with AI.
16:58 - Editing involves numerous specific, granular tasks.
17:10 - AI tools need clear instructions for better outcomes.
19:07 - Teaching AI prompting can enhance communication skills across contexts.
20:38 - The course design followed AI technology advancements.
22:46 - Courses evolve as functionalities of AI improve.
23:57 - Accept that constant updates in AI tools are challenging.
27:33 - Validate feelings about AI, whether fear or skepticism.
29:43 - AI is not a magic solution; it requires proper use.
30:23 - Companies are realizing AI does not entirely replace human editors.
35:54 - Notebook LM can efficiently handle long documents, excellent for content analysis in editing.
38:58 - Smaller text pieces yield better results in AI editing.
39:18 - Use specific prompts for effective copy editing with AI.
41:37 - Draft Smith improves line editing directly in Microsoft Word.
44:42 - Transparency with clients about AI use is crucial.
45:04 - Explain how AI tools will protect client’s intellectual property.
50:10 - Erin's AI for Editors program is available online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎙️ “I didn’t tell anyone I was leaving academia. I just left.”
When Jeff Malins quietly exited a tenure-track position to protect his marriage, mental health, and creativity… he didn’t know how to talk about it. He didn’t even post an update on LinkedIn.
In this honest conversation, Jeff shares what led him to walk away from a ‘successful’ academic career—including the surprising clarity that came after the decision—and how he’s now thriving as an AI scientist, part-time editor and coach, and side-hustle business owner.
If you’ve ever wondered, “What if I just left?”, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible—and remind you that you're not alone.
In this episode, we discuss:
🎨 Why Jeff left academia without having a toxic workplace
🎨 How he found meaningful work at the Mayo Clinic
🎨 The emotional weight of leaving and not knowing what’s next
🎨 How painting, public speaking, and coaching helped him reconnect with himself
🎨 His journey through the BAE program and how he’s shaping his new business
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-malins/
Learn more about my friend, and phenomenal coach, Tory Wobber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-tory-wobber-phd-cpcc-0364682b/
Explore the Becoming an Academic Editor program: https://acadiaediting.com/becomeaneditor
05:11 Personal factors influenced job relocation decisions.
06:00 It's okay to prioritize family over academic career.
07:28 Choosing happiness and family is a valid choice.
08:56 Transition from academia to a research role in AI.
09:20 Research opportunities continue outside of academia.
22:05 Different institutional cultures affect work-life balance.
23:42 Creative marketing strategies enhance professional identity.
26:22 Importance of personal narratives in scientific communication.
29:09 Shift towards career coaching from editing services.
30:49 Workshops bridge community and offer unique learning experiences.
33:00 Assessing unique contributions beyond academic roles.
36:20 Broadening definitions of professional opportunities.
38:09 Integrating personal passions into professional work encourages fulfillment.
43:30 Targeting university departments for workshops increases visibility.
45:00 Workshops provide revenue and client opportunities.
49:21 Personalized outreach can strengthen professional connections.
51:02 Taking advantage of existing networks for referrals.
51:39 Building a supportive community enhances entrepreneurial confidence.
52:05 Engaging with a broader audience strengthens personal brand.
52:24 Learning from peers is valuable in professional development.
52:27 Encouragement fosters readiness for new business ventures.
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Still Think Business Is Sleazy? This Episode Will Change Your Mind
Burned out academics often assume the business world is greedy, exploitative, and cutthroat—worse than higher ed.
But what if the right corner of online business was actually collaborative, compassionate, and aligned with your values?
In this episode, Paulina shares her personal journey from academia to entrepreneurship—including the shocking moment she realized how different (and better) the business world can be. She introduces communities like the MixerMind, highlights successful former academics turned entrepreneurs, and breaks down the myths that keep so many of us trapped in higher ed.
If you're burned out, craving flexibility, and wondering whether running a business could ever be ethical or joyful, this episode will show you what’s really possible—and that you were never the problem. Academia was.
👇 RESOURCES & LINKS
▸ Book a chat with Paulina to share why you burned out and left (or are considering it): https://acadiaediting.com/chat
▸ Get my free workbook, Map Your Academic Business: https://acadiaediting.com/map
▸ Follow Paulina on Instagram: @acadiaediting
▸ Connect on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/paulinacossette
📌 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor
02:47 - Discussion on backgrounds of academics and perceptions of job stability.
03:33 - Negative socialization regarding capitalism and business in academia.
04:08 - Academia framed as morally superior compared to business.
05:11 - Critique of the narrative perpetuated by senior faculty.
05:37 - Recognition that many businesses are indeed run for profit.
06:21 - Contrast between academia’s challenges and business community’s support.
07:28 - Surprising kindness in the business community compared to academia.
10:02 - Emergence of women entrepreneurs in online business.
14:23 - Growth of digital products and courses among women.
17:06 - Description of joining a welcoming entrepreneurial community.
19:35 - Successful women entrepreneurs with academic backgrounds.
20:06 - Ethical marketing practices in the online business community.
21:16 - Common fears of leaving academia and the stigma attached.
22:26 - The supportive environment outside academia for entrepreneurs.
23:29 - The unique qualities and personalities of business owners.
24:24 - The importance of connection and choosing the right mentor.
28:19 - Encouragement to see abundance in business opportunities.
29:06 - Myths of the business world debunked.
29:26 - Introduction to resources for aspiring business owners.
30:04 - Prompts for exploring potential business ideas and lifestyle integration.
30:42 - Guidance on creating a business around personal life.
30:56 - Overview of the editing program as a pathway to entrepreneurship.
31:16 - Emphasis on community support within the editing program.
31:29 - Invitation to consider the editing course for those unhappy in academia.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if writing could be fun again?
In this episode, I'm talking with Chris McRae, a tenured professor of communication and published author who found himself burnt out by the grind of academic publishing. But instead of staying stuck, he created something entirely new: Writing from Wonder: the Writing Workshop in a Box—a sensory, curiosity-driven experience that brings joy and creativity back to the writing process. (Keep reading to find out how to get your free gift! 🎁)
The problem for many authors? Writing feels like a chore. Burnout is real, and the joy of discovery is often lost in the pressure to publish.
To help solve this, Chris shares how he reconnected with the joy of writing through creative play—and how he turned that insight into a physical product for writers everywhere.
After joining my program, Becoming an Academic Editor, Chris explored editing, coaching, and eventually launched a limited-run product that sold to total strangers—proof that your creativity can become a business.
In this episode, you'll find out how to turn your love of writing into a meaningful side hustle (or full-time gig) using the expertise and skills you already have.
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Chris's Website: https://www.creatingcuriositycoaching.com
🎁 For your free gift: mention the "Leaving Academia" podcast in the notes for your Etsy purchase
“Source of Sources” for PR leads: https://sourceofsources.com/
Connect with Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingcuriosity_box/
Connect with Aubrey (Chris's business partner) on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreyahuber/
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-mcrae-phd/
👉 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor
00:00 - Introduction of Chris McRae, a communication professor and entrepreneur.
01:45 - Discovery of potential in applying academic skills to support others.
02:48 - Desire to contribute more meaningfully beyond academia.
03:23 - Constraints of academic writing affecting creative expression.
04:16 - Starting a side hustle to recapture creativity in writing.
06:26 - Innovators thrive during disruptions through creativity.
07:44 - Academic burnout leads to questioning writing's enjoyment.
08:46 - Transition from editing to launching writing workshops in a box.
09:05 - Appeal of the workshop concept, especially for academics.
10:32 - Freedom to write without academic constraints fosters creativity.
12:00 - Box includes sensory prompts to enhance writing experience.
14:31 - Using physical items as inspirational aids for writers.
18:25 - Commitment to launch business by a self-imposed deadline.
19:34 - Emphasizing learning through experimentation in business.
20:34 - Acknowledgement that imperfect efforts can still be valuable.
23:02 - Surprise at first sales coming from unknown sources.
24:10 - Importance of experimentation in marketing strategies.
27:20 - Ideas for creating a community around writing workshops.
28:44 - Potential collaboration with writing workshop facilitators.
36:20 - Understanding the numbers game in e-commerce and marketing.
51:05 - Offering a special surprise for Etsy purchases to promote outreach.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
📌What if the dream job—tenure, publications, grants—still leaves you feeling empty inside?
In this episode, Leslie Wang, PhD, shares how she transitioned from a tenured academic to a thriving writing coach and podcast host, finding deeper purpose and flexibility outside academia.
Leslie’s podcast is now ranked in the top 3% globally, and she runs a successful coaching business helping academics write their books without burning out. She shares how she made the leap into business, found her niche, and now works with clients she loves—on her own terms.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s really possible to leave academia and build a meaningful (and profitable!) business, this episode will give you clarity, courage, and steps to take action.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
📌 Leslie’s full journey from PhD to tenure to entrepreneurship
📌 How coaching gave her what teaching couldn’t
📌 Her 4-month financial test before quitting
📌 Why being 80% ready is enough
📌 Advice for launching your side hustle the right way
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
👉 Your Words Unleashed Podcast: https://yourwordsunleashed.com/podcast/
👉 Princeton University Press Coaching Program: https://press.princeton.edu/book-proposal-development-grants?srsltid=AfmBOoq-kAZYOXpzEJRWsrxggELLaDoOdn0mQv97PPOJlH2XJo9zmfIQ
👉 Book: The Prosperous Coach by Steve Chandler & Rich Litvin (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4n31GHb
👉 Coaching resource: Rhonda Hess – The Prosperous Coach Podcast: https://prosperouscoachblog.com/prosperous-coach-podcast/
📣 Know someone stuck in academia? Send them this episode.
Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach?
Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor
00:00 - Overview of Leslie's background as an academic and coach.
02:27 - Starting a business feels daunting yet rewarding.
06:23 - Experience of burnout in academia.
09:58 - Transitioning from academia to coaching and editing.
12:20 - Email from the chair marked a turning point.
14:10 - Importance of finding happiness beyond career.
17:15 - Coaching differs from teaching in tangible impact.
18:32 - Light bulb moments bring fulfillment in coaching.
20:35 - Empowering clients through coaching without advice.
23:09 - Importance of mental and scheduling space in coaching.
27:39 - Learning to say no to avoid burnout while freelancing.
29:01 - Rule to replace salary for four months as a threshold.
31:37 - Balancing a side hustle with academic commitments.
35:40 - Embracing uncertainty in decision-making.
37:24 - Majority of clients focus on book coaching.
39:00 - Coaching incorporates developmental editing for effectiveness.
45:54 - Podcast creation keeps business engaging.
46:31 - Interviews enrich the podcast experience.
48:10 - Social media is crucial for marketing outreach.
55:30 - The role of support in leaving academia behind.
56:45 - Final thoughts on pursuing personal fulfillment outside academia.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Ready to level-up your business by hiring a business coach? Connect with me on LinkedIn or email me (paulina [AT] acadiaediting [DOT] com) and let's have coffee (on Zoom). I'd love to get to know your business and see if we're a good fit to work together.
Think the only way to grow your editing or coaching business is by taking on more clients or becoming a marketing guru? Think again.
In this episode, I’m sharing the uncomfortable truth: if you want to earn 6 figures, your beliefs—not your rates or resume—are what's standing in your way.
Most academics-turned-editors undercharge, overdeliver, and wonder why they’re burned out and still broke. They think more clients or more credentials will fix things—but it never does.
This episode walks you through the mindset shifts, pricing experiments, and systems that actually work when you're trying to scale to $100K. I'm sharing boundaries, business experiments, and real talk about what’s keeping you stuck undercharging and overworking.
These exact strategies helped me grow from side-hustling freelancer to fully booked CEO of a six-figure editing and coaching business. And it’s not just me—plenty of other editors and coaches are doing it too.
By the end of this episode, you’ll understand the core identity shift required to grow your academic business into a profitable, sustainable career.
👇 MENTIONED TOOLS & RESOURCES:
The EFA rate chart: https://www.the-efa.org/rates/
Episode 20: 5 Tools to Edit Faster and Earn More Money: https://youtu.be/ipJSNA-XytQ
Episode 38: Two Things Keeping Editors Stuck at $20/hr: https://youtu.be/cOkUjIGMB9c
🧠 Map Your Academic Business (Free Workbook): AcadiaEditing.com/map
🧰 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor
00:12 - Common misconceptions affecting business growth.
00:33 - Shift thinking to reach income goals.
01:10 - Transition from freelancer to CEO mindset.
01:58 - Reactions to earning $100,000 are revealing.
02:20 - Beliefs shape income potential.
02:59 - Skills are not the main barrier to six figures.
03:22 - Academia encourages overwork for low reward.
04:04 - Cultural narratives diminish perceived value.
05:24 - Let go of distorted beliefs about earnings.
06:51 - Set boundaries; do not work for free.
08:10 - Minimum charge for coaching: $100/hour.
14:22 - Price based on value, not hours.
18:20 - Invest in your business for growth.
18:47 - Seek out a business coach for support.
19:09 - Build connections with industry peers.
20:20 - Commit to earning $100,000 by a set date.
21:11 - Regularly raise your rates without fear.
21:51 - Embrace discomfort as a part of growth.
22:06 - Make decisions as the six-figure version of yourself.
22:31 - Join a supportive community of entrepreneurs.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feeling stuck in academia, but unsure how to take the first step toward starting your own business?
In this episode, I reveal the most accessible, low-risk, high-reward way to monetize your academic skills: offering paid workshops.
Workshops have helped me and many other coaches and course creators test their offers, gain confidence, and even land long-term coaching or editing clients—without the overwhelm of building a course or running a full-time business.
👉 I’ll walk you through exactly why workshops are effective, two simple workshop formats you can try, and a 3-step plan to launch your first event.
Whether you want to earn extra income or transition fully out of academia, this episode gives you the roadmap to start now—before burnout wins.
👇 FREE RESOURCE: Map Your Academic Business
https://acadiaediting.com/map
🌟 Kit (affiliate link): https://partners.kit.com/koj113xbly45
🐦🔥 Join the BAE Program (Becoming an Academic Editor):
https://acadiaediting.com/becomeaneditor
🔥 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review if you found this helpful!
00:00 - Celebrating one year of Leaving Academia podcast.
01:04 - Expanding topics to include business ownership.
02:25 - Workshops as fast and easy way to earn money.
03:08 - Familiarity of workshops builds on teaching skills.
03:45 - Workshops boost confidence and perceived value.
04:15 - Effective client attraction method through workshops.
19:58 - Participants should leave with tangible results.
24:07 - Keep structure simple and include accountability.
31:21 - Don’t undersell; value perceived is important.
35:51 - Repeat workshops to build audience and revenue.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are you burned out from academia but still love research and writing? You’re not alone.
In this episode, I talk to Anna Clemens, a chemistry PhD who left research to become an academic writing coach. Through her Journal Publication Formula, Anna helps researchers get published faster—without the overwhelm. What started as a blog turned into a full-blown coaching business, and she now runs the Researchers' Writing Academy, supporting scholars around the world.
Anna shares how she navigated the transition, what made her pivot from editing to coaching, and how she built a business that gives her freedom and fulfillment.
If you’ve ever wondered how your academic skills could be used in a more meaningful, flexible way—this episode is a must-listen.
🎧 Listen now and discover how you can turn your love for writing into a freelance business you actually enjoy--and that pays the bills (and more!).
Resources:
🔗 Researchers' Writing Academy: https://annaclemens.com/
🎓 Free Training with Anna: https://annaclemens.com/training/
🧠 Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/45PjRsI
👉 Want to end burnout and build an academic business that fulfills you? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor
2:31 - Meet Anna, Academic Writing Coach
5:07 - Anna's PhD Journey Frustrations
10:18 - Finding Joy in Writing
15:35 - Leaving Academia, Why The Shift
20:00 - Exploring Freelance & Internships
25:00 - Transitioning to Writing Coaching
30:00 - Building the Researchers' Writing Academy
35:00 - The Power of Community Support
40:00 - Marketing Your Business
45:00 - Academic Skills for Business Success
50:00 - Embrace Continuous Learning
55:00 - Final Takeaways & Resources
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Tenure was supposed to be the promised land.
But for Dr. Lisa Anthony, it felt like a dead end. After years in academia, she realized something was missing—joy, creativity, and connection.
The surprising solution?
Launching a side hustle in academic editing and coaching.
What began as a reluctant experiment became a full-blown passion—and even made her fall in love with marketing (I know, right??).
In this episode, Lisa shares how starting a business reignited her energy and improved her day job as a tenured professor at an R1 university.
If you’ve ever thought, “I want something more—but I don’t know what,” then you have to watch this episode.
🎙️ We discuss:
🎯 Lisa’s realization that tenure "isn’t what I thought it would be.”
🎯 Her resistance to business—and how that changed completely after enrolling in Becoming an Academic Editor
🎯 The surprising overlap between academia and entrepreneurship
🎯 How she’s attracting editing and coaching clients while working full-time
Lisa also shares what she thinks every academic should know before starting a side hustle. Tune in to hear from someone who took the leap and is thriving.
🎯 Resources mentioned:
"The 7-Year Postdoc":
https://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/guest-blog/the-awesomest-7-year-postdoc-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-tenure-track-faculty-life/
🎯 Find out how to follow in Lisa's footsteps:
https://acadiaediting.com/becomeaneditor?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=ep50
🎯 Connect with Paulina on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/paulinacossette
🎯 Connect with Lisa: https://lisa-anthony.com/
🎯 Join the waitlist for Lisa's CAREER grant-writing program:
https://agapanthus-editing.kit.com/career
2:44 - Side Hustle Academic Editing
4:09 - COVID Changes Work Practices
6:34 - Preconceived Business Notions
8:40 - Passion Creativity Reignited
11:39 - Academia Lack Collaboration
13:53 - Post Tenure Habits Change
16:33 - What's A Committee? 🤔
18:35 - Rewire Brains Learn New Things
20:36 - How Start An Academic Business
22:54 - Authentic Selling Feels Natural
25:50 - Agency Editing Part-Time Job
27:34 - Coaching Developmental Editing
29:08 - Discovery Sales Call Contract
31:14 - AI Affecting Editing Agencies
33:34 - Experience Worth It?
36:16 - How Find Editing Clients
38:28 - Cast Wide Net Get Eyeballs
40:23 - Community Been Instrumental
42:21 - NSF Career Coaching Program
45:51 - Career Workshop Overview
48:26 - Connect With Lisa Anthony
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎧 Burned out in academia and ready to reclaim your time, income, and sanity? You don't need another degree to escape — you just need a plan.
Important NOTES for this episode:
👉 There are just 3 spots left in the September cohort of BAE. Doors close August 22.
Go here to save your seat before they're gone: https://acadiaediting.com/editingfreedom_postlaunch/?utm_source=acast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=ep49
In this episode, I walk you through the three essential steps to become a freelance academic editor or coach — even if you’ve never edited professionally or built a business before.
You’ll hear exactly how I transitioned from a tenure-track job to a six-figure freelance business, and how you can do the same, starting today.
I share:
👉 How to break into editing without a certificate
👉 The first actions to take if you want to coach instead of edit
👉 Why editing agencies can be your best (temporary) training ground
👉 Real-world examples of students who were fully booked within weeks of finishing the program
👉 A behind-the-scenes look at my BAE program and how it works
Whether you're looking to replace your academic job or build a lucrative side hustle, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and roadmap you need.
📌 Mentioned in this episode:
BAE Program Info & Enrollment:
https://acadiaediting.com/editingfreedom_postlaunch/?utm_source=acast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=ep49
Map Your Academic Business workbook:
https://acadiaediting.com/map/?utm_source=acast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=ep49
2:06 - My Story Leaving Academia
3:54 - Prioritizing Happiness and Freedom
5:57 - Six Figures Working Part-Time
6:54 - What Academic Editors Actually Do
7:16 - Developmental Editing Overview
8:13 - Copy Editing Tasks Explained
8:56 - Editing Agencies Pros and Cons
10:17 - Coaching Options With Editing
11:12 - What Problems Can You Solve?
12:28 - Skills Editors Need Most
13:43 - How To Land Editing Jobs
14:24 - Create a One-Page Resume
15:17 - Why Agencies Aren't Ideal
16:58 - How to Start Coaching Business
17:43 - What Is Your Ideal Client?
18:37 - Lisa's Success Story Example
19:38 - Step 2 Network and Attract
20:00 - Website Copywriting Tips
21:34 - Step 3 Hone Your Expertise
22:22 - Earn $150+ Per Hour Editing
23:65 - Coaching: Charge $100+ Hourly (Minimum)
25:27 - BAE Program Details Explained
26:06 - 12-Week Group Coaching Cohort
Q&A
27:26 - Program Includes Money Tracking
28:56 - Can I Enroll in 2026?
29:05 - AI and Future Editing Jobs?
30:94 - Editing in Other Languages?
31:64 - Stick To Your Editing Field?
32:80 - Standard For Manuscript Quality?
34:13 - Examples of Academic Coaches
35:52 - Non-Native English Writers
36:21 - Line Editing vs Copy Editing
37:80 - Explore Multiple Options?
39:03 - Don't Let Fear Get In The Way
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Marketing doesn't have to feel gross, fake, or confusing.
In this episode, I coach Bhaskar Raman—a skilled academic editor—through the exact mindset and messaging shifts that help editors attract higher-paying, more satisfying private clients.
Bhaskar has years of experience working with academic publishers, but he’s ready to go direct—to work with scholars one-on-one. The problem? Marketing feels overwhelming, and he's unsure of how to stand out.
In our coaching session, we:
🚶➡️ Walk through how to build a marketing plan that starts with empathy, not expertise
🚶➡️ Uncover who Bhaskar’s ideal clients are, and the real emotional struggles they face
🚶➡️ Make a plan for how he can write content and website copy that truly resonates
By the end of our session, Bhaskar has a clear message, a strategy for content creation, and a renewed sense of confidence in his value—not just as an editor, but as a thought partner for academic authors.
Whether you’re brand new or already freelancing, this episode will shift how you think about selling your services—so that you can build a business that feels good... and pays well, too.
RESOURCES:
📚 Laura Portwood-Stacer’s Book Proposal Book: https://amzn.to/46EWkwH
📘 Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) rates: https://www.the-efa.org/rates/
👉 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor
02:23 – Identifying client struggles
04:00 – Credentials vs. connection in marketing
06:42 – Selling outcomes, not services
09:35 – Using client language in copy
12:18 – Bhaskar’s mindset shift
14:44 – Relatable vs. original content
17:26 – Overcoming fear of “copying” others
20:10 – LinkedIn marketing strategy
23:07 – Storytelling as marketing
26:55 – Defining Bhaskar’s ideal clients
29:34 – Writing in first-person voice
32:01 – Marketing as service
35:12 – Website copy critique
38:50 – Why Bhaskar’s experience is enough
41:26 – Coaching through imposter syndrome
44:39 – Creating a simple content plan
47:03 – What to say in your content
49:20 – Bhaskar’s final reflections
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Burned out in academia and wondering what comes next?
Rosalba Lopez was in your shoes—struggling through a disheartening PhD and trying to make ends meet on a stipend.
But instead of settling for the usual path, she turned her love of writing and editing into a multi-6-figure business in medical writing, academic editing, and coaching.
In this episode, Rosalba shares how she:
🎆 landed her first freelance editing client straight out of grad school,
🎆 created contracts that protect her time and sanity, and
🎆 built the FLAS Foundation to help other STEM professionals launch their own creative businesses.
You’ll hear how she finds clients without cold pitching, uses her background in both science and the arts to stand out, and balances it all as a mom of two.
Whether you're still in academia or already have one foot out the door, this conversation will show you what’s possible—and how to make it happen.
🔔 Subscribe and listen to hear:
– How to start an academic business without an MBA or prior clients
– Why retainers are a game changer (and how to set them up)
– The power of tracking your work and using it in your marketing
– How Rosalba helps scientists become successful entrepreneurs
✨ Want to map out your business and become an academic solopreneur? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/map
Work with Rosalba: https://www.flasfoundation.com/
1:43 - Rosalba's Background and Expertise
3:25 - AMWA Medical Writing Certification
6:26 - Retainer Service Agreement Defined
7:49 - Substantive Editing Constructive Feedback
8:58 - Merck Blog Post Opportunity
9:37 - Creative Freedom Benefits
10:08 - LinkedIn Medical Writer Marketing
11:08 - Networking at Daycare & Funerals?!
11:50 - Multi 6-Figure Business Breakdown
12:39 - Tapping into Neglected Passions
13:05 - FLAS Foundation Arts and Science
13:57 - Subcontracting Junior Medical Writers
14:60 - Mentoring Clients: Calendly & Zoom
15:55 - Be 10% Ahead Ideal Client
16:13 - Refuting Academic Editing Myths
16:62 - Cold Pitches Are Wasteful?
17:26 - Persuasive LinkedIn Profile Skills
18:58 - Balancing PhD Critique Power
20:00 - Track Metrics Project Management
21:56 - Postpartum Burnout Business Lessons
22:49 - Building Business Solid Foundation
23:10 - FLAS Foundation Community Building
25:48 - Freelance Industry Jobs Positioning
26:30 - Outsourcing Email Marketing Tasks
27:34 - Ideal Client Audience Defined
28:45 - Advice: Networking & Opportunities
29:15 - Find Rosalba at FLAS Foundation
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Start building your new academic business here: AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor
Wendy Gillis has had quite a journey—from the thrills of Madison Ave., to an MBA and Doctor of Business Administration, to professor (and mom) life in North Florida.
And yet, something was still missing.
After spending years trying to launch a business on her own, Wendy discovered my program, Becoming an Academic Editor. She quickly realized that she had no interest in editing, but she was motivated and energized by our discussions of launching and marketing a coaching business and consultancy.
And that's how WendyGillis.com was born.
Now, Wendy is a professor, personal brand consultant, and clean stand-up comic with a full life that reflects her whole self.
If you've been feeling like you need more out of academia—more joy, more fulfillment, or even more money—this episode shows you how to uncover your creativity and build a successful business that fits your life.
📍Want to build a joyful post-academic life? Get started at AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor
Work with Wendy: wendygillis.com
0:25 - Wendy's Academic Side Hustle
2:32 - Madison Ave: Advertising Career
4:36 - Work Life Balance: Personal Decision
5:22 - Super Bowl Move: Jacksonville, FL
6:03 - Teaching Marketing: Doctorate Degree
8:19 - Adjunct Professor: Academia Transition
10:35 - Marketing Consultant: Value Proposition
12:11 - Academia vs Real World Skills
13:18 - Teaching Entrepreneurship to Academics
17:47 - Digital Marketing: Organizational Skills
23:59 - Comedy and Consulting: Business
28:14 - Business Building: Constant Evolving
30:87 - Consulting on Marketing: Non Profits
35:16 - Clean Comedy: Set Apart
36:31 - Scary Things: Confidence
37:25 - Take Course: I Felt Seen
39:45 - Women Entrepreneurs: Supportive
40:08 - Hire Comedian: WendyGillis.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Have you been thinking about quitting academia but you're terrified of how you'll replace your income?
In this episode, I share 3 steps you can take to launch and grow your editing or coaching business before you leave your academic job.
I share:
📌 Why editing and coaching are a great fit for academics (and low-risk!)
📌 3 things you can do right NOW to get started (and bring in real money)
📌 3 mistakes I see people make that hold them back from success
📌 Why you shouldn't wait until your “ready” to launch your business
Plus, I spill the deets on my free live class that's coming up: "How to Replace Your Academic Salary as an Editor or Coach" 🎉
📅 Save your seat for the free workshop: https://acadiaediting.com/live
📚 RESOURCES:
→ Free Workshop: https://acadiaediting.com/live
→ BAE Program Info: https://acadiaediting.com/becoming-an-editor
→ Instagram: https://instagram.com/acadiaediting
→ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/paulinacossette
2:13 - Academia's Uncertainty Should Fuel Your Move to Business
1:45 - Editing and Coaching are the Safest Businesses
4:34 - Info on My Free Training on How You Can Replace Your Salary
9:16 - Step 1: Craft Your Offer
12:29 - Step 2: Work Your Network
15:28 - Step 3: Start Saving Money💰
17:15 - Mistake 1: Don't Be Embarrassed To Start
20:46 - Mistake 2: Perfectionism
23:42 - Mistake 3: Overthinking Business Basics
25:08 - Why Do Some Academics Burn Out?
28:58 - Reclaim Control Over Your Life
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are you worried that AI will replace editors? If so, this episode is for you.
I talk with Daniel Heuman, creator of PerfectIt and the new AI tool Draftsmith, about how AI is shifting the editing landscape—and whether or not editors should be afraid of what's to come.
We discuss:
✅ How Draftsmith works
✅ Why sentence-level AI editing is so effective
✅ The surprising inspiration for Draftsmith (did he say Tinder??)
✅ How Draftsmith protects client confidentiality
Daniel also shares why burnout is baked into the way we edit—and how technology can help us do our best work without exhausting ourselves.
Whether you're skeptical about AI or curious about how to use it in your editing workflow, this episode will get you thinking about how you approach your work.
📚 Mentioned in this episode:
Draftsmith: https://www.draftsmith.ai/
PerfectIt: https://intelligentediting.com
Perfection Under Pressure (Free eBook): https://draftsmith.ai/perfection-under-pressure/
Connect with Daniel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielheuman/
🔗 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor
0:48 - AI Tool Draftsmith: Editing Aid
2:39 - Editing Software Origin Story
5:58 - PerfectIt vs Draftsmith: AI Debate
9:29 - Why Editors Need AI Tools
17:03 - ESL Authors: Level Playing Field
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When you’re just starting out in business, choosing between the infinite tech tools is incredibly overwhelming. Even just learning what all the abbreviations and acronyms mean can make your head spin. 🤯
In this podcast episode, I talk with Becky Launder, co-founder of Oh My Hi, an all-in-one platform that helps new business owners create a website, save data on clients and inquiries in a CRM (or Customer Relationship Management platform), and stay in touch with your audience through email marketing.
Becky explains, very clearly and succinctly:
✔️ what you should look for when choosing a website host or platform,
✔️ what a CRM is and why you should use one, even if you’re just starting out,
✔️ the importance of nurturing your potential clients (or leads) using regular email marketing, and
✔️ how her company, Oh My Hi, is leaning in to personal connections and networking to grow their business.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the tech tools and options (and, I mean, who hasn’t?), this episode will help you get started with a plan to move forward.
Get started here with Oh My Hi (affiliate link): https://ohmyhi.com/?aff=282
Popular Resources:
👉 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor
0:00 - Podcast Intro: Tech For Business
2:16 - Becky's Business Journey Begins
4:28 - Simple Tech Solution: Oh my hi
5:38 - Website Design: Clear Call To Action
8:46 - How To: Use Website Forms
11:42 - CRM For New Business Owners?
13:56 - Email Marketing: What To Say?
16:01 - Website Platform: Key Qualities
19:12 - Marketing Oh my hi: Partnerships
21:06 - Learning What Works, What Doesn't
22:35 - Social Media: Love-Hate Relationship
24:65 - Learn More About Ohmyhi.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Have you ever felt like no matter how much you give to academia, it will never be enough?
In this deeply personal episode, I share—for the first time in such raw detail—what finally pushed me to leave my tenure-track job. From relentless burnout and institutional gaslighting to one unforgettable phone call with my provost, I walk you through the moment I knew I couldn’t stay in academia any longer… and what came next.
If you’re sitting on the fence, terrified of the unknown but desperate to find a way out, this episode is for you. You’ll hear about:
Whether you want to quit tomorrow or simply build your plan B, I hope this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and inspired.
You’re not alone. Join a community of academics exploring what’s next—and start building your life beyond burnout. AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to leaving academia and freelancing.
00:17 - Warning signs of burnout may appear suddenly or gradually.
01:14 - Share personal story of leaving academia for editing.
01:31 - Explanation of stress and hostility in academia.
02:57 - Recognizing the breaking point in academia.
10:14 - Uncertainty of leaving academia versus staying.
11:39 - Clarity in decision-making felt overwhelming but liberating.
12:55 - Emphasis on the fresh start and clean slate in Maine.
18:08 - Marketing approach through authentic connection and service.
22:52 - Identifying who you want to help and focusing your business.
24:20 - Exploring diverse coaching options beyond academia.
30:07 - Importance of sharing your knowledge and authentic self.
33:08 - Commitment to personal happiness over staying in a miserable job.
33:32 - Encouragement to break through barriers and pursue dreams.
33:49 - Introduction to the course on becoming an academic editor.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.