Leaving Academia: Becoming a Freelance Editor

Paulina Cossette
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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.

  1. Peg Dolls and Postcards: This Professor's Subscription Box Might Be the Writing Workshop You Need

    HÁ 5 DIAS

    Peg Dolls and Postcards: This Professor's Subscription Box Might Be the Writing Workshop You Need

    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.

    52min
  2. Can You Be a Scholar Without Academia? This Writing Coach Says Yes

    18 DE SET.

    Can You Be a Scholar Without Academia? This Writing Coach Says Yes

    📌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.

    53min
  3. Stop Charging Like a Freelancer. Start Earning Like a CEO.

    11 DE SET.

    Stop Charging Like a Freelancer. Start Earning Like a CEO.

    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: 🧠 Map Your Academic Business (Free Workbook): AcadiaEditing.com/map 🖥️ PerfectIt, TextExpander, and more editing tools 🧰 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.

    25min
  4. Get Paid for Your Academic Expertise: 3 Steps to Launch Your First Online Workshop

    4 DE SET.

    Get Paid for Your Academic Expertise: 3 Steps to Launch Your First Online Workshop

    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.

    43min
  5. From Chemistry PhD to Academic Writing Coach: Launching and Growing the Researchers' Writing Academy

    28 DE AGO.

    From Chemistry PhD to Academic Writing Coach: Launching and Growing the Researchers' Writing Academy

    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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39min
  6. Is This All There Is? How One Professor Launched a Side Hustle and Reclaimed Her Joy

    21 DE AGO.

    Is This All There Is? How One Professor Launched a Side Hustle and Reclaimed Her Joy

    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.

    51min
  7. From PhD to Paid: The Exact Process I Used to Land $100/hr Clients as an Academic Editor

    14 DE AGO.

    From PhD to Paid: The Exact Process I Used to Land $100/hr Clients as an Academic Editor

    🎧 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.

    1h7min
  8. Why Credentials Don't Land Clients... and What Does

    7 DE AGO.

    Why Credentials Don't Land Clients... and What Does

    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.

    56min
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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.

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