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. Can Editors Survive the Rise of AI?

    2일 전

    Can Editors Survive the Rise of AI?

    🎙️ 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.

    50분
  2. "It's OK to Choose Your Mental Health": One Academic's Leap into Industry and a Side Hustle

    10월 9일

    "It's OK to Choose Your Mental Health": One Academic's Leap into Industry and a Side Hustle

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

    51분
  3. What It's Really Like to Run a Business (and Why Academics Get It Wrong)

    10월 2일

    What It's Really Like to Run a Business (and Why Academics Get It Wrong)

    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.

    32분
  4. Peg Dolls and Postcards: This Professor's Subscription Box Might Be the Writing Workshop You Need

    9월 25일

    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.

    52분
  5. Can You Be a Scholar Without Academia? This Writing Coach Says Yes

    9월 18일

    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.

    53분
  6. Stop Charging Like a Freelancer. Start Earning Like a CEO.

    9월 11일

    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.

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

    9월 4일

    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.

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

    8월 28일

    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.

    39분
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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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