Leaving Academia: Becoming a Freelance Editor

Does selling your editing or coaching services make you feel gross, salesy, or like a fraud?You're not alone, and there's a reason behind that discomfort, but it has nothing to do with selling itself. In this episode, Paulina explains why so many academics struggle to charge for their knowledge, and how to reframe selling as service so you can finally build a sustainable freelance business without the guilt.After leading 8 cohorts of Becoming an Academic Editor or coach (BAE) and helping over 100 academics launch their own editing and coaching businesses, Paulina has heard this fear come up again and again. Here's what she's learned: the discomfort isn't about the act of selling. It's about the gap between everything academia trained you to believe and what it actually takes to run a profitable freelance business.In this episode, you'll hear:✒️ Why universities and publishers have conditioned academics to give their labor away for free (and how this shapes your relationship with money)✒️ The real source of that "icky" feeling when you have to quote a price✒️ How to reframe selling as information transfer, not manipulation✒️ Why charging fair rates is what makes you a better editor or coach for your clients✒️ The identity shift required to go from underpaid professor to paid expert✒️ How your years of expertise translate into intellectual property worth charging forIf you've ever hesitated to send a quote, undercharged for your work, or felt guilty asking a client to pay you, this episode will completely change how you think about selling.📌 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditorSubscribe to the podcast for weekly episodes on leaving academia and building a freelance editing or coaching business.2:15 - Why Academia Pays Less Than You Deserve4:30 - The Truth About Publishers and Free Labor6:45 - How To Reframe Selling Services9:00 - Your Knowledge is Valuable IP11:15 - The Ethical Imperative to Charge13:30 - Actionable Steps to Embrace Your Value Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You spent years building your credentials—the PhD, the publications, the speaking engagements, the teaching experience.So when you launched your freelance editing or coaching business, it felt natural to lead with all of your experience on your website.Here's the problem: those credentials are exactly what's repelling the clients you want.In this episode, I break down why leading with your CV is the #1 mistake academics make when transitioning into editing or coaching—and what to do instead. Using the analogy of a doctor's office visit, I'll show you exactly how your homepage copy should function so potential clients feel seen, safe, and understood the moment they land on your site.You'll hear:🩺 Why centering yourself on your homepage is hurting your client conversions🩺 The "doctor's office" framework for writing copy that builds trust fast🩺 3 real homepage examples (academic editor, academic coach, dissertation coach) showing the shift from credentials-first to client-first marketing🩺 How to name your client's internal experience—not just their practical problem🩺 The reframe that will change how you write every piece of marketing copy from here on outIf you've been wondering why your homepage isn't converting, or why people keep visiting your site but never reaching out, this episode will show you exactly what's missing.👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes on building a freelance editing or coaching business after academia.Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor2:15 - Why Doctors Listen First4:30 - Academia vs. Client Needs6:45 - How to Hook Your Ideal Client9:00 - Example 1 Academic Editor11:15 - Example 2 Academic Coach13:30 - Example 3 Dissertation Coach15:45 - The Crucial Homepage Shift18:00 - What Truly Differentiates You20:15 - Build Trust, Not Just Impress22:30 - Your Next Steps Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You stayed. You pushed through. You asked for help—and got gaslit instead.If that just hit a little too close to home, this episode is for you.Julia Gray's post-academic path included a government job before she began building her business as an editor and a communications and culture specialist.In this conversation, Julia gets honest about what it feels like to reinvent yourself after academia. We talk about the identity shift that happens when you leave behind the job title of "professor," what it looks like to build a business when you're completely terrified, and why she wishes she'd stopped waiting for academia to get better—sooner.In this episode, you'll hear about:💡 What "knowledge mobilization" is and how it became the foundation of Julia's business💡 The postdoc experience that ended badly—right before the pandemic hit💡 How quiet quitting in a faculty job became the push she needed to find the exit💡 The identity crisis of going from "professor" to "government employee" to "business owner"💡 Why being terrified doesn't mean stop—it means equip yourself💡 How Julia is using public writing, Instagram, and free workshops to build her audience and businessWhether you're mid-escape or just starting to wonder if there's a way out, Julia's story is a reminder that the path doesn't have to be linear—it just has to move forward.🎧 Watch, subscribe, and share with the academics in your life who need to hear this.Resources Mentioned:Website: https://www.thejuliagray.caInstagram: @_gray_juliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-gray-phd/Get Julia's newsletter: https://julia-gray.kit.com/f0f9eb26dbTimestamps:2:15 - Creative Projects and Knowledge Mobilization4:30 - Navigating a Challenging Postdoc Experience7:00 - The Pandemic's Impact and Career Collapse9:15 - Transitioning to Government Work11:30 - The Identity Shift: Professor to Public Servant14:00 - Building Your Own Business From Scratch17:00 - Monetizing Your Expertise: A New Challenge19:30 - Developing Culture Building Skills22:00 - The Power of Experimentation in Business25:00 - Mastering Instagram for Business Growth28:00 - Finding Your Platform: Podcasts and Blogs30:30 - Upcoming Workshops and Public Writing33:00 - Embracing Fear and Seeking Support35:30 - Don't Wait: Leave Unhappiness Behind Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You've been sitting on a course idea for months. Maybe years. You know it could help people—but you haven't launched it yet because it doesn't feel ready.Here's the thing: building your course first and selling it later isn't just inefficient. It might be the reason you never launch it at all.In this episode of Leaving Academia: Becoming a Freelance Editor, Paulina shares the behind-the-scenes story of a course that completely flopped—and what she learned that made her BAE program a success. She breaks down why academics are especially prone to the "build first, sell later" trap, and gives you a concrete, step-by-step plan for testing your idea, pre-selling your course, and knowing when to move forward (and when to go back to the drawing board).In this episode, you'll learn:🏊‍♀️ Why the expertise trap and the perfectionism trap are killing your course before it launches🏊‍♀️ The story of Paulina's book proposal course that sold just two copies—and what went wrong🏊‍♀️ How to test your course idea on LinkedIn before you build a single module🏊‍♀️ The exact CTAs to use at different stages of pre-selling🏊‍♀️ What a "good" conversion rate actually looks like (it's lower than you think, and that's okay)🏊‍♀️ How to use voice of customer research to sharpen your messagingIf you've been thinking about building a course, coaching program, or workshop but feel stuck in planning mode, this episode will help you move forward.🔔 Subscribe here or on YouTube so you don't miss weekly episodes on building a freelance life after academia.Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor1:35 - Why Academics Tend to Build First, Sell Later3:10 - Avoid the Expertise and Perfectionism Traps5:45 - Why My First Course Flopped9:30 - The Real Cost of Selling Online Courses12:15 - Test Your Course Idea: Messaging and Market15:50 - How to Pre-Sell Your Online Course19:20 - What Success Really Looks Like: Conversion Rates23:00 - Pivot or Persevere: Null Results Are Okay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You posted on LinkedIn. Got 2 likes. Felt like a failure. But what if that post was actually working, and you just couldn't see it?In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on a real LinkedIn post I shared about hitting my first $10,000 month as an academic editor—and walking you through the analytics in detail. With only 746 impressions and 535 people reached, the vanity metrics looked terrible. But the data that actually matter? They told a completely different story.In this episode, I explain:👍 Why likes, comments, and impressions are mostly useless for building a freelance editing or coaching business👍 Which metrics you should actually be paying attention to👍 How I structured a LinkedIn post that brought real leads into my business👍 Why your email list is the single most important piece of marketing infrastructure you can build👍 How to use a lead magnet and welcome sequence to turn casual scrollers into warm, ready-to-hire clientsIf you've ever felt like social media is a waste of time, or you're exhausted chasing likes and comments that never seem to lead anywhere, this episode is for you.Get the Homepage Blueprint that helped me earn my first $10k month: AcadiaEditing.com/blueprintWant to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor2:15 - Defining "What Works" in Social Media4:30 - The Post That Flopped (Or Did It?)7:00 - Digging Into LinkedIn Analytics9:30 - Why Saves and Follows Matter Most12:00 - The Real Impact of Your Call to Action15:00 - The Power of the Email List18:00 - Why Direct DMs Often Fail21:00 - The Lurkers Who Convert24:00 - Crafting a Compelling Social Media Hook27:00 - Storytelling for Client Connection30:00 - Revealing Your Solution33:00 - Key Takeaways for Business Growth36:00 - Building Your Client Nurturing System39:00 - Experimenting for Maximum Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You think marketing will be gross. But what if it doesn't have to look the way you imagine?If the word "marketing" makes you cringe—if it conjures images of pushy salespeople, empty promises, and Instagram influencers claiming you can make $250K from a $47 mini course—I get it. Completely.But here's what I want you to consider: the resistance most academics feel toward marketing isn't really about values. It's about fear. And once you see marketing for what it actually is (hint: it's just letting people know you exist), it might stop feeling so gross—and start feeling like something you actually enjoy doing (and you're really good at).In this episode, I'm breaking down:💡 Why academics are conditioned to distrust marketing—and why that's not entirely wrong💡 The sneaky second layer of resistance that's really just self-doubt in disguise💡 What marketing is when you strip away all the noise💡 How you've already been doing it your whole academic career💡 How to make marketing feel like connection instead of a transaction💡 Your first concrete homework assignment to land your first private clientsWhether you're terrified to put yourself out there or just convinced that marketing requires you to become someone you're not, this episode is for you.📌 Resources Mentioned:Episode 72: Niching Down https://youtu.be/EWbD4y9j378 Episode 77: How to Land Your First Coaching Client https://youtu.be/yK_mRRAFmTo🔔 Subscribe so you never miss a new episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with a colleague who's thinking about leaving academia.🖥️ Save Your Seat for my 3-Day Live Training, April 8-10, 2026. Go to AcadiaEditing.com/live1:35 - Facing Your Marketing Fears3:10 - Values vs. Self-Doubt Resistance5:05 - The Truth About Marketing7:40 - How Academics Already Market10:15 - Your Marketing Control Center12:00 - Overcoming Rejection Fears14:30 - Warm Outreach: Your First Step Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think you want to leave academia and go freelance? You should watch this.Most academics who dream of leaving their job focus on the exciting stuff—landing clients, working from home, finally having freedom. But there's a whole other conversation that almost nobody is having: the financial one. What happens to your retirement accounts? Can you actually afford health insurance? When do you really need an LLC?In this episode, I sit down with Inga Timmerman, a finance professor and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who works exclusively with academics. She's seen it all—the people who quit too soon, the people who drain their savings in six months, and the people who get the transition right because they planned ahead.Here's what we cover:🪙 The savings benchmark you should hit before you quit🪙 Why mixing personal and business finances is a bigger mistake than you think🪙 What to do with your TIAA account (and whether to roll it into an IRA)🪙 Honest talk about health insurance in 2026—including options most people overlook🪙 Why you probably don't need an LLC yet (and when you do)🪙 What to do—and not do—with your investments when the market is in chaosWhether you're building a side hustle in academic editing or coaching, or you're deep in your exit planning, this episode will help you think through the money side of your transition clearly and without the panic.🔔 Subscribe so you don't miss new episodes every week.🐦‍🔥 When you want to take the leap, find out more about launching an academic editing or coaching business: https://AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditorResources Mentioned:Inga's podcast: Academics and Their Money, https://attainablewealthfp.com/welcome-to-academics-and-their-money/Work with Inga: https://attainablewealthfp.com2:05 - Academia to Entrepreneurship, Inga's Journey4:31 - Why Top-Tier Research Felt Hollow6:58 - Impact Over Ivory Tower9:12 - Launching a Business as a Hobby11:35 - Mastering Academic Niches For Clients13:58 - Academic Financial Fears Addressed16:21 - Planning Your Exit18:44 - Budgeting For Business Independence21:07 - Smart Spending, Avoid Shiny Objects23:30 - Navigating Taxes As A Business Owner25:53 - When To Leave Academia Full-Time28:16 - Health Insurance Hurdles & Solutions30:40 - Retirement Accounts After Academia33:03 - Protecting Yourself, Insurance Needs35:26 - Business Structure, When To Start37:49 - Market Volatility39:55 - Get Expert Help, Find Your Advisor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He had no coaching packages. No clients. No idea how to run a sales call. And then, in week 5 of his BAE cohort, he signed his first client to a 6-month coaching contract. 🥳In this episode, I'm walking you through one BAE student's journey—from "I have no idea what I'm doing" to landing a real, paying coaching client faster than he ever thought possible.I'm calling him Michael to protect his privacy, but his story is real, and it's one that I know you'll find instructive.Here's what you'll hear in this episode:🎧 How Michael went from joining BAE to having a website, a LinkedIn profile, and a niche—all within the first month of his cohort🎧 Why a referral from a former colleague turned into his first real client inquiry (and how he almost let fear talk him out of it)🎧 What a discovery call looks like, and how it's different from a sales call🎧 Why I pushed Michael to raise his prices—and why he was glad I did🎧 How to handle the nerve-wracking gap between your client saying "I need to think about it" and "I'm in"🎧 The mindset shift that separates academics who stay stuck from those who actually launchI also share what's been happening in the current cohort with other BAE students—including someone who landed TWO dissertation editing clients in a single day, and two MORE just a few weeks later. 🤯The big lesson running through all of this: you are never going to feel ready. The fear doesn't go away. But you CAN (and should!) do it scared—and that's exactly what growth looks like.🎙️ Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss future episodes on life beyond academia, freelance editing and academic coaching, and building a business that brings you joy.Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor2:30 - Define Your Niche & Build Your Website5:15 - How To Land Your First Coaching Client8:00 - Master Discovery Calls For Clients11:45 - Price Your Packages With Confidence15:00 - How To Nail Your Sales Call19:30 - Key Takeaways For Business Growth23:00 - Join BAE Core Or Accelerator30:00 - Why You Have To Do It Scared Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You love teaching. You love the research. So why does it feel like academia is suffocating you?In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Merritt—education PhD, former K–12 teacher in Switzerland, and founder of Define Your Lines—to talk about what it really looks like to build a freelance business from the ground up—while navigating toxic workplaces, health crises, expat life, and the slow, complicated grief of letting go of an academic identity.Kelly's story doesn't follow the typical "I burned out and quit" script. She's been layering her exit for years—thoughtfully, strategically, and honestly. And what she shares in this conversation is some of the most nuanced, honest advice you'll hear about what it takes to make this work.In this episode, we cover:✏️ Why leaving academia isn't always enough—and what you actually need to heal and build something sustainable✏️ The difference between strategy and experimentation in business—and why you need both✏️ How to balance client-facing work with the behind-the-scenes infrastructure work✏️ How Kelly navigated a full brand refinement six months after launching her first website (and why it was worth it)✏️ How Kelly serves three different audiences (teachers, students, and writers) with one business—and the thread that connects themWhether you're deep in the details of business-building, still deciding if you can make the leap, or just needing to hear that someone else has been in the messy middle—this episode is for you.Resources Mentioned:Define Your Lines: https://defineyourlines.comKelly Merritt on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn: @defineyourlines / https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellymmerritt/Kelly's free self-assessment for writers: Five Pillars of Sustainability and Joy in a Writing Practice: https://defineyourlines.com/writers/five-pillars/The Academic Entrepreneurs Studio (Paulina's mastermind for academic business owners): https://acadiaediting.com/studio🎙️ Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if this one resonated, share it with a colleague who's been quietly dreaming about a different kind of life.Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor2:14 - Kelly's Academic Background5:09 - Journey from Academia to Business10:01 - Navigating Academia's Oddities15:30 - The Decision to Move Abroad20:15 - Toxic Academic Environments25:18 - Building a Sustainable Business30:16 - The Brand Refinement Process35:11 - Balancing Strategy & Experimentation40:24 - Defining Your Lines Explained45:25 - Serving Diverse Audiences50:07 - The Value of Community55:00 - The Long Road to Success Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You did everything right. So why does academia feel so wrong?In this episode, I'm sharing data I've been collecting for over a year: raw, unfiltered responses from academics all over the world who answered one simple question—What's going on in your life that brought you here?What I found wasn't two-word answers. It was grief. It was burnout so deep it had started destroying people's bodies. It was the specific, quiet devastation of realizing that tenure—the thing you sacrificed everything for—isn't the finish line you were promised.The data are clear: this isn't an individual failure. It's a systemic one.In this episode, I walk you through the 5 most common themes in the responses I've collected from academics who are leaving or thinking about leaving higher ed.I also share what I believe is possible on the other side: a career that uses every skill you've developed in academia, in a context where you're respected, fairly paid, and in control.If you've been wondering whether you're alone in feeling this way—you're not. I've got the receipts.🎙️ Resources Mentioned:Episode 61 on academic identity, with Tory Wobber and Jen Polk: https://youtu.be/JqdqPkEFdfs📌 Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episodeIf this topic resonated with you, share it with an academic friend who needs to hear it.🐦‍🔥 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor4:10 - Devastating Realities Unfiltered Stories7:45 - Burnout Is Not a Phase10:55 - Feeling Undervalued and Underpaid16:40 - The Pain of Institutional Betrayal21:20 - Reclaiming Your Life and Time24:15 - Finding Hope Beyond Academia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosting Your First Writing Retreat? Here's What You Need to Know to Make It a Smashing SuccessYou've built an editing or coaching business. You love working with academics. And somewhere in the back of your mind, you've been wondering: Could I host a writing retreat?Short answer: probably yes. But the logistics are important.In this episode, I'm talking with Kimberly Hale, PhD—interpreter educator and ICF-certified faculty success coach—about exactly how she plans and runs her academic writing retreats.Not the inspirational version. The real version: how to find the right space, feed people well, handle airport logistics, price it so you actually earn money for your time, and navigate the very particular headache of getting paid by universities.Here's what you'll learn:🏠 The first question to ask yourself before you book anything (hint: it's about vibe)🏠 How Kimberly structures her retreat across Thursday evening through Sunday lunch🏠 Her approach to food, dietary preferences, and why feeding people is harder to plan than you'd think🏠 Where she finds participants and how she markets without advertising to her own university🏠 How she handles institutional payments, purchase orders, and slow-paying universities🏠 What participants actually accomplish—and how that becomes your best marketingIf you're an academic editor or coach thinking about adding retreats to your business, this episode will save you a lot of trial and error.🎙️ Subscribe to the channel so you don't miss a new episode.📌 Resources Mentioned:Kimberly Hale's website: https://facultysuccesscoach.com🏠 Kimberly's upcoming writing retreat (March 19–22): facultysuccesscoach.com/retreat💰 Discount code for $300 off the March retreat: INL20261:40 - Overwhelmed? Find Your Academic Path4:05 - How To Balance Faculty and Business7:10 - Unlock Your Productivity Secrets11:50 - What is Coaching vs. Mentoring?18:30 - Master Your Writing Retreats25:00 - Join Our March Writing Retreat!33:50 - Main Takeaways for Your Career🐦‍🔥 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burned out, overworked, and secretly Googling "alternative careers for PhDs"—but not sure what you actually want to do next? This episode is for you.In this conversation, I sit down with Jen Polk, one of the most well-known and trusted post-academic career coaches, to talk about what it really takes to figure out your next move after academia.Jen has been doing this work since 2013, and she has helped dozens of PhDs—from postdocs to full professors to tenured department chairs—find career clarity and build lives they enjoy.Here's what we get into:🖋️ Why so many tenured professors (not just grad students) are leaving academia right now🖋️ The #1 mistake academics make when starting a job search—and why "converting your CV to a resume" is a symptom, not a solution🖋️ The self-reflection question that Jen uses with every single client (it's deceptively simple yet powerful)🖋️ Whether you need coach training to become a coach—and Jen's honest, no-BS answer🖋️ What Jen's PhD Career Clarity Program looks like and who it's for🖋️ Why small-group coaching can be more powerful than one-on-one support (backed by what actually happened in her program last week)If you've been feeling lost, stuck, or like academia has wrung every last bit of joy out of you, this conversation will remind you that you're not alone—and that there's a way through.👉 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.Resources Mentioned:Jen Polk's PhD Career Clarity Program: https://fromphdtolife.com/Jen Polk on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-polk-phd/Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor2:40 - Academic Background to Coaching7:00 - How Coaching Changed Her Life10:00 - The Rise of Post-Academia14:00 - Why Tenured Faculty Leave18:00 - Global Higher Ed Challenges22:00 - Finding Your Next Career Path27:00 - What is "Flow" State?31:00 - Resume vs. Clarity36:00 - The Power of Community42:00 - Coaching vs. Mentoring47:00 - PhD Career Clarity Program53:00 - Finding Your True Calling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

💡 When you're starting your freelance editing or coaching business, the instinct is to offer everything to everyone. But what if niching down is what gets you more clients?In this episode, I walk you through the counterintuitive truth about developing a profitable niche—and why your credentials aren't what's going to sell your services.What You'll Learn:💡 Why "being for everyone" is actually limiting your income💡 The common mistake I made when I started my business💡 How emotions—not analytics—drive hiring decisions💡 Why your first niche WILL change (and why that's okay)💡 How to journal your way to discovering the people you're obsessed with helping💡 The 6-month feedback loop: when to expect clarity on your nicheKey takeaway: Your niche isn't about your credentials. It's about the collection of people who hear what you say and feel hope. It's the people drawn to you because of how passionate you are and the real solutions you've discovered. This is what you should lead with in your marketing to land consistent clients.Resources Mentioned:Map Your Academic Business Workbook – Download at AcadiaEditing.com/map BAE Program – 12-week live cohort for academics becoming freelance editors or coachesWant to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor2:14 - Stop Being for Everyone4:32 - Why Broad Messaging Fails7:02 - Credentials Don't Sell Services9:26 - Emotional Connection Drives Hires11:30 - How to Start Niching Down14:05 - Map Your Academic Business16:27 - Journal Your Ideal Client19:19 - The Non-Traditional Scholar22:17 - Burnout Mom's Struggle24:20 - Find Relief Through Your Services27:40 - The Messaging Feedback Loop31:07 - Listen to Your Customers33:51 - Refine Your Messaging36:30 - What People Truly Want40:24 - Offering Hope and Relief42:33 - Your Unique Solution44:20 - Be Real Be Passionate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when everything looks perfect on paper but your life feels like it's falling apart?Today's guest, Daniel DeRock, was a successful assistant professor of international political economy at a "dream" university—yet he walked away. Why?In this episode, Daniel shares the truth about burnout, the hidden costs of chasing credentials, and how he's now building a thriving freelance business that finally honors all of who he is.In this conversation, you'll hear:☑️ Why Daniel left academia despite appearing to "have it all" on paper☑️ The moment he decided to quit (spoiler: it was sudden and definitive)☑️ How health problems and work-life balance pushed him to the breaking point☑️ Why he's now doing a fiction book coaching certification alongside academic editing☑️ How to build a business around what you actually want, not what you "should" want☑️ The power of claiming your full identity when you leave academiaDaniel's journey is a reminder that success in academia doesn't equal happiness. He was doing everything "right"—defended his dissertation, got the postdoc, landed the faculty job at the university where he'd studied abroad. Yet the constant task-switching, budget cuts, isolation, and unsustainable workload made him reach his limit.What's beautiful about Daniel's story is that he didn't just escape academia—he's actively building a business that brings together both his academic expertise AND his passion for fiction writing and the literary world. He's not abandoning his credentials; he's leveraging them in a completely new way.This episode is for anyone who's been told they should be grateful for their academic position, or who's struggling to admit that their "dream job" isn't actually working for them.If you're considering leaving academia or starting an editing/coaching business, watch this episode. And if you're ready to take the leap, check out my program, Becoming an Academic Editor or Coach—a 12-week group coaching program paired with lifetime access to the course materials.Resources Mentioned:Daniel's website: flowstateediting.comConnect with Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-derock-988883302/Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor[2:30] Daniel's Academic BackgroundDouble major in political science and English, studying in the Netherlands[5:45] Graduate School JourneyMaster's degree and PhD in Amsterdam, field work and teaching experience[9:20] Burnout During PhDTeaching full-time while finishing dissertation and applying for jobs[12:15] Landing the Dream JobAssistant professor position at his study abroad university[15:40] Health DeteriorationStress-related health problems and work-life balance issues[18:30] Budget Cuts and Increased WorkloadDoing the work of multiple people without support[21:00] The Decision to LeaveAbrupt departure from academia after reaching breaking point[24:45] Early Interest in EditingProofreading for colleagues, freelance editing during PhD[28:20] Discovering the Path ForwardFinding Paulina's course and realizing editing could be viable[32:10] Starting the BusinessRegistering Flow State Editing, first clients from colleagues[35:50] LinkedIn as Marketing PlatformReturning to LinkedIn and building presence[38:40] Types of Editing WorkCopy editing, developmental editing, coaching for academics[42:15] Expanding into Fiction EditingInterest in creative writing and book coaching[45:30] The Challenge of Niching DownBalancing academic editing with fiction editing interests Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎯 SETTING BOUNDARIES AFTER ACADEMIA: Why Freelance Editors & Coaches Struggle (and How to Fix It)When you're in academia, you're trained to sacrifice---your time, your health, your family, your peace.You're made to do more with less.You're "voluntold" to serve on committees and take on projects, all without extra compensation or appreciation.But here's the problem: when you leave academia to start your own business, those harmful patterns don't magically disappear. You bring them with you.In this episode, I walk you through:✓ Why academics struggle so much with setting boundaries✓ The specific boundaries every freelance editor & coach needs✓ How to charge for extra work without guilt (yes, that second revision round counts)✓ What to do when clients push back or ask for "just one more thing"✓ Real talk on sustainability: why boundaries aren't selfish, they're essential✓ How to communicate boundaries without over-explaining or apologizing✓ The difference between boundaries rooted in fear vs. boundaries rooted in clarityIf you've ever:🎯 Worked way beyond what you promised (and not charged for it)🎯 Felt paralyzed by guilt when setting a boundary🎯 Over-explained yourself to a client🎯 Taken on rush jobs you didn't have time for out of fear they'd leaveFelt obligated to respond to emails immediately🎯 Stayed on a call longer than you planned because you didn't know how to end it...then this episode is for you.Your worth doesn't come from the amount of time you work. It comes from your expertise, your skills, and your labor. You deserve to be paid well for the value you provide. And you deserve a business that serves your life, not the other way around.To use your skills to build a rewarding and profitable academic business, join the next cohort of Becoming an Academic Editor or Coach (BAE): AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditorTo grow your existing academic business, join The Academic Entrepreneurs Studio: AcadiaEditing.com/Studio2:45 - The "voluntold" problem in academia5:30 - When obligations become exploitation8:15 - Sacrifice myth perpetuates exploitation11:00 - Unlearning academic patterns after leaving13:45 - Boundary #1: Set your work schedule16:30 - Using your calendar as boundary19:15 - The vacation trap: never taking time off22:00 - Why real rest keeps business sustainable24:45 - Boundary #2: Stop over-delivering work27:30 - Permission to be "good enough"30:15 - Scope creep: "just one more thing"33:00 - Charging for work beyond contract35:45 - Boundary #3: Don't undercharge clients38:30 - Why nervous energy repels quality clients Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’re overworked, underpaid, and doing way too much "service" for zero recognition. Burnout isn’t a surprise—it’s the system. So what if the real problem isn’t you, but the way academia exploits your labor?In this episode, former professor Rachel LaTouche shares how she went from a traditional tenure-track path to launching a thriving consulting business. She didn’t even know what "consulting" was at first—and now she's booked out, well paid, and finally working on her own terms.Rachel started small—on Upwork. But one client turned into a department-wide contract, and that pivot away from free labor in academia led to a sustainable business. Her story is proof that you don’t need it all figured out to begin.If you’re finally realizing that you've been unfairly giving away your time and energy for free, this conversation will open your eyes to what’s possible outside academia. Consulting might be the post-academic path you didn’t know you needed.🎧 Listen now to hear:How Rachel realized her "side projects" were actually consulting gigsThe questions she asked to get started—without a websiteHow she booked her first clients (and how you can, too)The difference between B2B and B2C consulting—and how to chooseWant to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/mapResources mentioned:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlatouche/https://www.hireraretalent.comRegistration for Rachel's program opens Feb 1, 2026! Go to her website for more info!2:17 - Researching Workplace Culture4:29 - Why Grad Students Need Support5:20 - Faculty Life Challenges6:17 - Discovering Consulting8:37 - Navigating the Pandemic Pivot10:17 - Landing Your First Client13:57 - Evolving Your Consulting Business18:57 - The Consulting Futures Lab20:34 - Program Structure & Goals22:08 - Embracing Your New Identity24:05 - Valuing Your Expertise25:12 - Setting Business Boundaries26:34 - The Power of Talking About Yourself Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You just got your first client inquiry—congrats! But now what? If your excitement is quickly turning into panic, you’re not alone. Many new freelance editors and academic coaches freeze when it comes time to respond professionally and quote their first project. In this episode, I walk you through exactly what to do (and what to avoid) so you can handle that first inquiry with confidence. I’ve helped dozens of editors and coaches go from overwhelmed to fully booked—and it all starts with this one moment.What You’ll Learn:✔️ What information to collect from a potential client✔️ How to read between the lines to understand what they really need✔️ How to price your services—even if you’ve never done it before✔️ What to include in your first quote✔️ How to follow up, close the deal, and set boundaries early📣 Ready to turn your skills into a flexible, fulfilling academic business?Go to AcadiaEditing.com/map4:20 - Understand Client Needs8:40 - Decipher What Clients Truly Need13:00 - Gather Essential Project Details17:20 - Assess Client Personality & Style21:40 - Draft and Deliver Your Quote26:00 - Pricing Your Services Wisely30:20 - Manage Client Relationship Steps34:40 - Crafting Your Letter of Agreement39:00 - Deliver Exceptional Client Experience43:20 - Gracefully Close the Project47:40 - Reflect and Document Your Work Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎓 Should You Leave Academia for Industry or Business?If you're standing at that crossroads—wondering whether to jump into industry or build something of your own—this episode is required listening.💡 In this conversation, Tory Wobber shares how she went from a Harvard PhD in biology to a leadership role in data science at Facebook and Google… and eventually became a sought-after coach helping other academics make the leap.Here's Your Problem:You’ve done everything right—grants, publications, multiple job market seasons—and it still feels like you’re losing.When Tory faced this, she set a boundary, walked away from academia, and found a path that gave her both impact and freedom.Her coaching program, Academic Exit, has helped over 100 PhDs (especially in the social sciences) transition successfully into industry jobs they actually enjoy.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:🔑 Decide if industry or entrepreneurship is right for you🔑 Translate your PhD into real-world skills🔑 Avoid the biggest mistakes academics make when leaving🔑 Build a career rooted in your actual goals—not just survivalWhether you’re curious about data science, career coaching, or just desperate for a way out—this one’s for you.Resources:Join Tory's program, Academic Exit: VictoriaWobber.comAcademicExit.comConnect with Tory on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-tory-wobber-phd-cpcc-0364682b/Recovering Academics group:Message Gabrielle Filip-Crawford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellefc/Ready to explore academic editing or coaching? → AcadiaEditing.com/map4:27 - Tori's Journey From Harvard PhD to Industry Leader7:07 - Academia's Unreasonable Expectations10:18 - The Data Science Leap to Facebook14:25 - Navigating Corporate Culture Shock18:00 - Finding Your Fit Beyond Academia22:30 - The Power of Career Coaching26:00 - Avoid the Spray-and-Pray Job Search30:00 - Your Next Career Chapter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

💰 How to Make Money as an Academic Outside Higher Ed (Even If You Feel Guilty Charging)Burnt-out from academia but still struggling with guilt about charging for your skills?In this episode, I challenge the beliefs that keep academics underpaid and overworked—and show you what’s possible when you embrace your worth.I share how I went from tenure-track burnout to running a six-figure editing and coaching business. You'll also learn how not being perfect in your marketing can actually help you grow, and why higher pricing doesn’t scare good clients away—it attracts them.If you’ve ever felt uneasy about charging for your work or feared being “one of the bad guys” for making money, this episode will change your mind.🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast app or watch on YouTube.Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/map04:04 - Academia's pressure to work without financial reward. 06:15 - The belief that good people don't care about money. 10:56 - Sharing knowledge builds respect and encourages payment. 11:32 - Common misconception that lower prices attract more clients. 13:18 - Price perception affects perceived value. 15:14 - Good people can also accumulate wealth. 16:16 - Wealth brings the ability to help others. 17:17 - Abundance allows for increased generosity and freedom. 18:12 - Fair exchange for knowledge without guilt. 18:51 - Authenticity earns trust more than polish. 21:57 - Reflection on personal limitations and guilt about pricing. 23:24 - Confidence is developed through overcoming past fears. 25:02 - You deserve to be paid well for your knowledge. 25:46 - Encouragement to make 2026 a year of change. 26:05 - Invitation to connect for support in building a business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🔥 Burned out in academia? Wondering how to turn your PhD into a flexible, fulfilling business?Cara Jordan did just that—and in this episode, she reveals how she went from freelancing for artists in NYC to founding Flatpage, a thriving academic editing agency and publishing house.So many academics feel stuck, exhausted, and unsure how to market themselves beyond word of mouth.Cara shares exactly how she marketed her editing services, grew a team, and expanded into publishing—all while navigating relocation, burnout, and the challenges of marketing to academic clients.Today, Flatpage serves a wide range of humanities and social science scholars. Cara teaches in the UCSD editing certificate program and co-edited the fabulous book, The Art of Academic Editing.In this episode, you’ll learn how to attract clients, overcome fear of visibility, and build a sustainable editing business—even if you're starting from scratch.Resources Mentioned:Flatpage: https://www.flatpage.com/UCSD Copyediting Certificate: https://extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/certificates/copyeditingBook: The Art of Academic Editing (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/48uH30uWant to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor00:01:00 - Cara's Academic Background 00:02:30 - Early Freelance Experience 00:04:00 - Transitioning from Academia to Freelancing 00:05:30 - Initial Client Acquisition 00:07:00 - The Importance of Word of Mouth 00:08:30 - Marketing Strategies for Editors 00:10:00 - Overcoming Marketing Hesitations 00:11:30 - Networking and Community Engagement 00:13:00 - Challenges of Marketing to Academics 00:14:30 - Creative Approaches to Finding Clients 00:16:00 - The Importance of Niching Down 00:17:30 - Growth of Cara's Editing Business 00:19:00 - Starting Flatpage and Team Expansion 00:20:30 - Differences Between Copy Editing and Developmental Editing 00:22:00 - The Value of Formal Editing Training 00:23:30 - The Role of Academic Background in Editing 00:25:00 - The Need for Professional Development 00:26:30 - Advice on Working for Free 00:28:00 - The Decision to Add Publishing Services 00:29:30 - Advocacy Through Publishing 00:31:00 - Final Advice for Aspiring Editors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burnt out by content creation? Glued to your phone, cranking out posts that barely get engagement? You're not alone—and there’s a better way.Academics starting their businesses often fall into the trap of chasing social media trends—thinking they have to do Reels, show up daily, and perform for the algorithm.In this episode, I walk you through a step-by-step system that simplifies content creation by drawing on your academic strengths—writing, planning, and strategic thinking.This is the exact system I've used to create a month of content in a few hours—and stay off the content hamster wheel that leads to burnout.You’ll learn how to brainstorm blog topics, batch-write posts, repurpose them for social media, and even delegate to AI (ethically and efficiently). If content has ever felt overwhelming, this is how you can simplify.🎧 What You’ll Learn:Why Instagram-style content isn’t effective for academic businessesHow to repurpose blog content into multiple social postsA 3-step batching system that saves hours of timeTips for using AI tools (like Claude and ChatGPT) without losing your voiceHow to avoid burnout and still show up online📚 Resources Mentioned:Ep 39 of my podcast with SEO expert Laura Jawad📣 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor00:00 - Target mindset shift away from fleeting social media engagements. 03:40 - Choose where to spend time online based on ideal client presence. 04:02 - Brainstorm topics based on client questions to improve SEO. 05:14 - Create a list of five to ten questions, select the top four. 06:27 - Draft short blog articles, aiming for 1000-1500 words each. 11:48 - Avoid task switching; focus periods for each content creation step. 13:24 - Repurpose blog posts into social media content for consistent messaging. 15:07 - Use excerpts from blog articles for engaging LinkedIn posts. 19:05 - Use AI tools for drafting social media posts based on articles. 21:14 - Expect low visibility; only a small percentage of followers will see posts. 25:38 - Schedule blog articles in advance for consistent content delivery. 30:05 - Implement a systematic approach for efficient content creation over time. 31:26 - Protect your energy; pace content creation to avoid burnout. 32:57 - Focus on platforms that resonate with your target audience. 35:02 - Success isn’t based on follower count but on client conversion. 36:17 - Prioritize driving engagement toward your email list for control. 37:17 - Understand that building a brand takes time and effort. 37:55 - Practice will help refine your brand voice and messaging. 39:02 - Utilize support resources like coaching when growing your business. 39:44 - Explore educational opportunities for aspiring academic editors. 39:52 - Each step in content creation contributes to your professional growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you afraid to leave academia because you've “invested too much” or feel like it’s “too late” to start over? In this episode, master life coach and midlife mentor Suzy Rosenstein shares how to regret-proof your life, especially if you’re over 50 and stuck in a career that no longer fits.Suzy left a 27-year career and built a thriving coaching business—proof that it’s never too late to pivot.If you're in midlife and wondering “is this all there is?”, this episode is your wake-up call.We cover:☑️ Why being stuck isn't just painful—it's costly☑️ How identity and fear keep us trapped in academia☑️ Simple mindset shifts to help you imagine a new future☑️ How Suzy used coaching to get unstuck and build a business☑️ Why it’s okay (and essential) to want more🎧 Whether you're thinking about leaving your faculty role, building a side hustle, or just feeling “off,” this is a must-listen for anyone craving more clarity and freedom in midlife.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Suzy Rosenstein's podcast: Women in the MiddleTake Suzy's Midlife Quiz: https://midlifequiz.comSuzy's coaching site: https://suzyrosenstein.comConnect with Suzy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themidlifecoach_suzy🎯 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach?Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor02:23 - Personal transformations during midlife are common and necessary10:00 - Detaching from academic identity is a significant challenge11:12 - Rethinking identity can offer opportunities rather than a crisis17:09 - Understanding the cost of staying stuck is crucial19:00 - Prestige in academia does not equate to personal fulfillment20:06 - Journaling helps examine limiting beliefs . 24:21 - Imagining success can counter fears of failure 25:24 - Exploring alternatives can unveil unexpected career options . 29:28 - Engaging in curiosity without immediate action is valuable . 31:27 - Identifying perspectives about potential career changes is critical . 33:01 - Solidifying your what is essential before determining how . 34:42 - "I'm open to the idea that" promotes exploration of possibilities . 36:32 - Transitioning from academia to business fosters community connections . 39:04 - The online entrepreneurial world offers diverse opportunities . 40:57 - Group coaching can enhance the transition experience . 41:36 - Taking advantage of midlife opportunities can be life-changing . 42:11 - Personal stories of resilience in entrepreneurship are inspiring . 42:44 - Midlife quizzes and exploration can clarify future desires . 46:29 - Embracing a beginner's mindset is essential for growth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does investing in your academic business feel terrifying?You've spent tens of thousands of dollars on your education—but when it comes to starting your academic editing or coaching business, you're trying to do it with zero investment, zero tools, and zero support. Why?Because academia trained you to survive on scraps.This week, I’m breaking down:💡 Why investing feels so risky for academics💡 How to shift into a true ROI (return on investment) mindset💡 What I did wrong at first (and how I changed my strategy)💡 Small, high-impact investments that can save you time and land you clients fasterIf you're tired of spinning in circles and trying to figure it all out yourself—this episode will help you take that first powerful step toward a business that actually pays you (well!) and gives you your life back.👇 Resources mentioned in this episode:PerfectIt editing software: intelligentediting.comBeefText: beeftext.orgTextExpander: textexpander.comWant to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor00:00 - Introduction of the topic about money in business. 00:52 - Importance of investment in your business, not treating it like a hobby. 03:28 - Academia teaches resourcefulness, not investment. 04:07 - Spending on your business is a responsible choice. 04:49 - You need tools and support to build a successful business. 06:10 - Reclaiming agency as a business owner is essential. 07:07 - Invest in learning how to run a successful business. 11:55 - DIY mindset keeps you stuck; investing buys back your time. 12:29 - Shift to an ROI mindset to think like a CEO. 14:32 - Statistical predictions guide your investment decisions. 20:04 - Coaching programs provide structure and accountability for growth. 22:22 - Tools and systems simplify workflows and improve efficiency. 24:26 - Use flexible payment options to attract more clients. 28:52 - Community support enhances your business journey. 31:00 - Over-analysis can hinder decision-making and progress. 35:00 - Start small but start investing now to see growth. 36:28 - Acting like a CEO boosts confidence in business. 38:00 - Investing improves your chances of attracting higher-paying clients. 39:58 - Your past investments in education justify new business investments. 41:45 - Importance of joining a program to support your growth. 42:28 - Conclusion and invitation to consider the program offered. 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 newsletterJoin 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 workbookLove 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/map1. **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-doubtTune 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 newsletterJoin 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 workbookLove 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 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/BecomeAnEditorConnect with Nicole:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-pettitt/Email: [email protected]:24 – Nicole's shift toward supporting women in academia05:14 – Balancing academic roles with entrepreneurial aspirations08:11 – Free writing group beneficial for community building09:13 – Majority of clients found through the writing group10:57 – Importance of providing community for online doctoral students12:11 – Similarities between coaching others and personal challenges14:30 – Bridging the gap between knowledge and action14:30 – The necessity of community and feedback for doctoral students16:07 – Community aspects tied to external feedback in coursework18:48 – Recognizing that information alone isn’t enough for student success22:39 – Advice to focus on one-on-one coaching first24:56 – Writing group as a funnel for attracting one-on-one clients26:03 – Clarity is key to helping clients execute their projects30:20 – Establishing boundaries between coaching and editing services36:39 – Pricing coaching services fairly based on value offered42:03 – Strategies for promoting coaching services to writing group members48:40 – Testing marketing strategies as a scientific experiment49:43 – Understanding client pain points as core to effective marketing50:53 – Providing contact information for potential clients51:21 – Encouragement for women to pursue their academic goals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ 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 itWhether 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.comTools discussed: Notebook LM, ChatGPT, Claude, Draftsmith🔗 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor00:00 - 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/becomeaneditor05:11 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.

Still Think Business Is Sleazy? This Episode Will Change Your MindBurned 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/BecomeAnEditor02:47 - 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/BecomeAnEditor00:00 - 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/BecomeAnEditor00:00 - 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-XytQEpisode 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/BecomeAnEditor00:12 - 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 Businesshttps://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/BecomeAnEditor2:31 - Meet Anna, Academic Writing Coach5:07 - Anna's PhD Journey Frustrations10:18 - Finding Joy in Writing15:35 - Leaving Academia, Why The Shift20:00 - Exploring Freelance & Internships25:00 - Transitioning to Writing Coaching30:00 - Building the Researchers' Writing Academy35:00 - The Power of Community Support40:00 - Marketing Your Business45:00 - Academic Skills for Business Success50:00 - Embrace Continuous Learning55:00 - Final Takeaways & Resources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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-timeLisa 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/career2:44 - Side Hustle Academic Editing4:09 - COVID Changes Work Practices6:34 - Preconceived Business Notions8:40 - Passion Creativity Reignited11:39 - Academia Lack Collaboration13:53 - Post Tenure Habits Change16:33 - What's A Committee? 🤔18:35 - Rewire Brains Learn New Things20:36 - How Start An Academic Business22:54 - Authentic Selling Feels Natural25:50 - Agency Editing Part-Time Job27:34 - Coaching Developmental Editing29:08 - Discovery Sales Call Contract31:14 - AI Affecting Editing Agencies33:34 - Experience Worth It?36:16 - How Find Editing Clients38:28 - Cast Wide Net Get Eyeballs40:23 - Community Been Instrumental42:21 - NSF Career Coaching Program45:51 - Career Workshop Overview48:26 - 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=ep49In 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 worksWhether 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=ep49Map Your Academic Business workbook:https://acadiaediting.com/map/?utm_source=acast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=ep492:06 - My Story Leaving Academia3:54 - Prioritizing Happiness and Freedom5:57 - Six Figures Working Part-Time6:54 - What Academic Editors Actually Do7:16 - Developmental Editing Overview8:13 - Copy Editing Tasks Explained8:56 - Editing Agencies Pros and Cons10:17 - Coaching Options With Editing11:12 - What Problems Can You Solve?12:28 - Skills Editors Need Most13:43 - How To Land Editing Jobs14:24 - Create a One-Page Resume15:17 - Why Agencies Aren't Ideal16:58 - How to Start Coaching Business17:43 - What Is Your Ideal Client?18:37 - Lisa's Success Story Example19:38 - Step 2 Network and Attract20:00 - Website Copywriting Tips21:34 - Step 3 Hone Your Expertise22:22 - Earn $150+ Per Hour Editing23:65 - Coaching: Charge $100+ Hourly (Minimum)25:27 - BAE Program Details Explained26:06 - 12-Week Group Coaching CohortQ&A27:26 - Program Includes Money Tracking28:56 - 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 Coaches35:52 - Non-Native English Writers36:21 - Line Editing vs Copy Editing37:80 - 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 resonatesBy 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/BecomeAnEditor02:23 – Identifying client struggles04:00 – Credentials vs. connection in marketing06:42 – Selling outcomes, not services09:35 – Using client language in copy12:18 – Bhaskar’s mindset shift14:44 – Relatable vs. original content17:26 – Overcoming fear of “copying” others20:10 – LinkedIn marketing strategy23:07 – Storytelling as marketing26:55 – Defining Bhaskar’s ideal clients29:34 – Writing in first-person voice32:01 – Marketing as service35:12 – Website copy critique38:50 – Why Bhaskar’s experience is enough41:26 – Coaching through imposter syndrome44:39 – Creating a simple content plan47:03 – What to say in your content49:20 – 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/mapWork 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.com0:25 - Wendy's Academic Side Hustle2:32 - Madison Ave: Advertising Career4:36 - Work Life Balance: Personal Decision5:22 - Super Bowl Move: Jacksonville, FL6:03 - Teaching Marketing: Doctorate Degree8:19 - Adjunct Professor: Academia Transition10:35 - Marketing Consultant: Value Proposition12:11 - Academia vs Real World Skills13:18 - Teaching Entrepreneurship to Academics17:47 - Digital Marketing: Organizational Skills23:59 - Comedy and Consulting: Business28:14 - Business Building: Constant Evolving30:87 - Consulting on Marketing: Non Profits35:16 - Clean Comedy: Set Apart36:31 - Scary Things: Confidence37:25 - Take Course: I Felt Seen39:45 - Women Entrepreneurs: Supportive40:08 - 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 businessPlus, 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/paulinacossette2:13 - Academia's Uncertainty Should Fuel Your Move to Business1:45 - Editing and Coaching are the Safest Businesses4:34 - Info on My Free Training on How You Can Replace Your Salary9:16 - Step 1: Craft Your Offer12:29 - Step 2: Work Your Network15:28 - Step 3: Start Saving Money💰17:15 - Mistake 1: Don't Be Embarrassed To Start20:46 - Mistake 2: Perfectionism23:42 - Mistake 3: Overthinking Business Basics25:08 - 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 confidentialityDaniel 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.comPerfection 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/BecomeAnEditor0:48 - AI Tool Draftsmith: Editing Aid2:39 - Editing Software Origin Story5:58 - PerfectIt vs Draftsmith: AI Debate9:29 - Why Editors Need AI Tools17:03 - 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=282Popular Resources:Download: 5 Pages Every Small Business Needs https://ohmyhi.com/lp/5-web-pages-you-need/?aff=282 Free Class: How to Build a Website That Works While You Sleep! https://ohmyhi.com/lp/class/?aff=282 Demo: Take a Peek at Oh My Hi  https://ohmyhi.com/demo/?aff=282 👉 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor0:00 - Podcast Intro: Tech For Business2:16 - Becky's Business Journey Begins4:28 - Simple Tech Solution: Oh my hi5:38 - Website Design: Clear Call To Action8:46 - How To: Use Website Forms11:42 - CRM For New Business Owners?13:56 - Email Marketing: What To Say?16:01 - Website Platform: Key Qualities19:12 - Marketing Oh my hi: Partnerships21:06 - Learning What Works, What Doesn't22:35 - Social Media: Love-Hate Relationship24:65 - 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:The emotional toll that led to my decisionHow I navigated uncertainty without a backup planWhat it looks like to build a six-figure editing and coaching business from scratchAnd why YOU might be more ready than you think to take the leapWhether you want to quit tomorrow or simply build your plan B, I hope this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and inspired.🔗 Resources & Links:Find out how to start your own editing or coaching business during my next live call: AcadiaEditing.com/liveListen to earlier episodes about editing agencies, publishers, and client workSubscribe to the podcast so you never miss a story📩 Want Support?You’re not alone. Join a community of academics exploring what’s next—and start building your life beyond burnout. AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditorTimestamps: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.

In this week's podcast episode, I chat with Nata Salvatori, Doctor of Physical Therapy, who left academia and never looked back. She turned a side-hustle photography gig into a multi-six-figure business—and now, as the founder of Accidental CEO, she helps entrepreneurs scale sustainably through delegation. We dive into:📣 How Nata made the leap from academia to entrepreneurship📣 Why academics already have the public speaking + teaching skills needed to market their business📣 The mindset shift that makes “selling” feel generous, not gross📣 Why you should delegate from day one—not when you’re already burned out📣 How confidence is a skill you build, not something you’re born with This episode is your sign to go for it—even if it’s messy, imperfect, or scary. You truly ARE capable of more, no matter what academia has told you. 📌 Resources Mentioned:Nata’s website: https://accidentalceo.coInstagram: @nataaccidentalceoNata's Podcast: Accidental CEOWant to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wonder what really shifts when you go from “professor” to “business owner”?In this week’s episode of Leaving Academia, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes replay of a recent live call where I talked candidly about my transition out of academia and into freelance editing—and answered all the juicy questions about AI, marketing, and starting an editing or coaching business.🎙️ You’ll hear:➡️ The identity shift no one warns you about➡️ The biggest mindset differences between academia and entrepreneurship➡️ What aspiring editors and coaches are really asking right nowThis was informal, honest, and full of the questions I know you’ve been thinking about, too.If you’ve been on the fence about pivoting into editing or coaching, this one’s for you.📅 Want to come to the next live call? Sign up here: AcadiaEditing.com/live**00:00 - 00:16**: Introduction to the podcast and host.- **01:41 - 02:13**: Transition from academia to freelance editing.- **02:32 - 03:03**: Discussing the change from teaching to business.- **03:46 - 04:34**: Challenges in leaving an academic identity.- **16:20 - 16:52**: Insights on mentoring students versus editing.- **25:39 - 26:03**: Recommendations for starting editing on the side.- **29:00 - 29:20**: Impact of AI on editing jobs.- **30:01 - 31:03**: Comparison of agency work versus private clients.- **40:01 - 40:24**: Targeting professors and their editing budgets.- **41:35 - 42:29**: Importance of charging fair rates as an editor.- **51:39 - 52:41**: Discussion on transitioning from writing centers to editing.- **53:06 - 53:25**: Strategies for light copy editing without losing the author's voice.- **55:07 - 55:22**: Closing thoughts on career paths in editing.- **56:22 - 56:40**: How to gain clarity on editing and coaching desires.- **43:19 - 43:31**: Conveying the value of editing services.- **44:35 - 44:46**: Understanding what clients gain from editing support.- **42:51 - 43:07**: Realities of financial stability in academia and freelancing.- **45:20 - 45:50**: Fees for journal article editing and their value.- **53:25 - 53:49**: The difference between academic mentoring and editing roles.- **31:03 - 31:26**: Personal support role of editors compared to academic colleagues. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want to get found by the right clients—without spending all day on social media? This episode breaks down exactly how.In this episode of Leaving Academia: Becoming a Freelance Editor, I talk with Laura Jawad, PhD, a former oceanographer, about how she teaches people to use SEO (search engine optimization) to grow their businesses without burning out.Laura shares the exact strategies she uses to make websites searchable, how she creates content that works for her 24/7, and why SEO is the perfect tool for introverts, academics, and anyone building a service-based business online.We cover:🎈 How Laura transitioned from academia to running an SEO business🎈 The SEO tips she uses to get discovered by ideal clients organically🎈 Why blog posts (not Instagram) built her business🎈 The mindset shifts that helped her embrace visibility without overwhelmIf you want to stop relying on word-of-mouth and start building a steady stream of aligned clients, you’ll love Laura’s practical, low-pressure approach to SEO.Resources:🌐 Work with Laura: laurajawadmarketing.com📹 Free training: laurajawadmarketing.com/leaving-academiaWant to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditorWant to attract more clients and end feast or famine? Join our monthly membership for established editors: acadiaediting.com/marketing0:00 - Introduction to the Journey from Academia2:30 - Learning the Basics of SEO5:10 - Developing Your Niche Topics8:45 - Importance of Blog Content11:25 - Crafting Engaging Headlines14:00 - Keyword Research Strategies17:30 - Building Topical Authority20:00 - Using Meta Tags Effectively23:15 - The Role of Backlinks in SEO26:40 - Social Media Presence for Academics30:20 - Navigating Content Structure33:10 - Marketing Your Services Locally37:05 - Creating Engaging Website Content40:30 - User Engagement Signals Explained43:00 - Long-Term SEO Strategies46:20 - Final Tips for Content Creators49:45 - Conclusion and Resources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s keeping talented editors stuck at $20/hour—or worse, in feast-or-famine cycles that drain your energy and confidence?If you’ve been editing for 6 months or more, this episode is your wake-up call. We’re digging into the two main reasons most freelance editors don’t reach their income goals: editing speed and marketing. If you’ve been feeling stuck, unsure how to grow, or scared to raise your rates, this episode will give you the exact mindset shifts and practical strategies you need to finally move forward.You’ll learn:🎯 Why hourly pricing might be holding you back🎯 How to track your editing speed and raise your effective hourly rate🎯 How to confidently raise your rates without losing clients🎯 What marketing strategies actually work—and how to know what’s working for you🎯 How to shift your mindset from “freelancer” to “business owner”Whether you're trying to attract better clients, earn more money, or stop feeling stuck in scarcity, this episode is packed with actionable advice.👇 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Episode 20: 5 Tools to Edit FasterEpisode 16: How Do Clients Find Me? (2024 Review)EFA Rate Chart: https://www.the-efa.org/rates/🎯 Want to up your marketing game and stop struggling? Join us in Digital Marketing for Academic Entrepreneurs: https://acadiaediting.com/marketing0:00 - Overcoming Self Doubt in Editing1:01 - Strategies for Taking Your Business Higher1:36 - Building a Solid Foundation2:33 - Why Editors Struggle Financially3:10 - Increasing Your Editing Speed4:16 - The Importance of Tracking Your Rates5:04 - Identifying High-Paying Projects5:57 - Making Bold Changes for Better Pay6:35 - Tools to Work More Efficiently7:36 - Raising Your Rates Strategically8:54 - Tips for Setting Competitive Rates10:06 - Marketing Your Editing Services10:20 - Expanding Your Client Base11:09 - Tracking Client Acquisition Sources11:46 - Maximizing Effective Marketing12:54 - Adapting Your Client Outreach13:13 - Client-Centric Messaging16:12 - Joining Supportive Editor Communities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you an academic editor or coach struggling to show up online without feeling salesy? You're not alone — and today's guest has the solution.Jennifer van Alstyne, founder of The Academic Designer, helps faculty and researchers around the world craft powerful online presences — from strategic websites to clear social media marketing. In this episode, Jennifer explains how she turned an unexpected opportunity in grad school into a thriving business, why most academics are making their bios WAY too boring, and how a well-crafted website can actually free up your time while attracting the right people.Whether you're building your editing or coaching business, or simply want to stop hiding online, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.We cover:👉 The #1 place to start if you're building your own website👉 What most faculty websites are missing (and how to fix it)👉 The shift from chasing engagement to creating deep connections👉 Why visibility doesn’t mean selling out — and how to post with purpose👉 How to think about testimonials, even if you're new to businessIf you’ve been thinking about starting an editing or coaching business — or already have one and want to grow — this episode will give you mindset and strategy tools to move forward.📌 Connect with Jennifer:Website: TheAcademicDesigner.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifervanalstyne/YouTube: https://youtube.com/jennifervanalstyneSocials: @HigherEdPR / @JenVanAlstyneResources:🔧 Mentioned tool: Owlstown.com – free academic website builder🔧 AI Tool Mentioned: Minvo.pro – for podcast clip editingWant to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor0:00 - Welcome & Introduction to Jennifer Van Alstyne0:20 - Understanding Online Presence for Academics1:06 - Jennifer's Academic Background & Business Journey2:48 - How to Build a Strong Website6:34 - Why Academics Struggle with Self-Promotion12:44 - Navigating Social Media for Client Engagement13:31 - The Importance of Deep Engagement Over Likes15:07 - Shifting to Inbound Marketing Strategies19:04 - What Clients Typically Seek from Jennifer20:55 - The Range of Services Offered for Different Budgets26:58 - Maximizing Website Functionality for Academics29:15 - Crafting a Compelling Bio for Your Website30:37 - The Dynamic Nature of Your Website Content33:26 - Creating Clear Calls to Action on Your Website34:56 - Adapting Your Website as Your Business Evolves39:13 - The Value of Testimonials and Client Feedback41:19 - Overcoming Content Creation Challenges44:12 - Repurposing Existing Content Effectively47:39 - Final Thoughts & How to Contact Jennifer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your sabbatical wasn’t just a break from academia — but your way out?I was recently a guest on Sabbatical 101 with Bethany Wilinski, PhD, and I’m re-airing that episode today.Bethany is an associate professor at Michigan State who also runs a business helping academics plan the sabbatical of their dreams. During the conversation, I share how I left academia, started working as a freelance academic editor, and built my editing and coaching business to six figures.If you're burnt out, wondering what’s next, or secretly thinking about launching a business, this episode is your permission slip to consider developing these ideas and stretching your creativity toward entrepreneurship.You'll learn:How owning a business has helped me reduce burnoutWhy I left academia and how I started editingWhat academic editing is and how editors work with clients, andMy hard-and-fast rule for vacation time–and how I ended guilt foreverIf you want to stop surviving academia and start building a career that works for you, listen to my conversation with Bethany.And if you’re considering a sabbatical and want to truly make the most of it–whatever that looks like for you–reach out to Bethany and check out her podcast, Sabbatical 101.Resources:📹 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor 🎙 Listen to Bethany Wilinski, PhD, on Sabbatical 101: https://bethanywilinski.com/podcasts/sabbatical-101/1:41 - What You Will Learn in This Episode2:00 - How a Sabbatical Can Be Your Opportunity2:21 - Introduction to Sabbatical 1013:22 - The Benefits of Working with an Academic Editor3:44 - The Story Behind Leaving Academia5:25 - The Academic Background and Burnout Experience6:58 - Transitioning to Freelance Editing9:18 - Breaking Stereotypes of Business Ownership10:51 - Understanding the Role of an Academic Editor11:58 - How the Editing Process Works12:46 - Clear Pricing for Editing Services13:14 - The Editor's Goal: Publication30:54 - Overcoming the Fear of Starting a Business32:26 - Flexibility of Freelance Editing35:05 - Starting Your Editing Journey39:37 - Conclusion and Encouragement to Pursue Editing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Wondering how to build a business after burnout? In this special coaching episode, I sit down with Katrien Deroost — a former malaria researcher who left academia and is now launching her career as an academic editor.Together, we dive deep into the real challenges of starting over: ✅ How burnout wrecks your confidence — and how to rebuild it ✅ Why a website alone won’t bring clients (and what will) ✅ How to write curiosity-driven copy that attracts the RIGHT people ✅ The surprising power of cold emails and LinkedIn for academic entrepreneurs ✅ Mindset shifts every new editor needs to succeedIf you're struggling to wrap your head around how to start an editing business, or you're tired of the "feast or famine" cycle, this episode will give you the concrete, step-by-step guidance you need to transform your business and life.Watch this episode on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast app.  https://youtu.be/KVAmrEWNbBgWant more tips to super-charge your editing business and get the clients flowing in? **Join our monthly membership, Digital Marketing for Freelance Editors:AcadiaEditing.com/marketingCurious to find out more about freelance academic editing or coaching? Get my free video series on academic editing and coaching: https://AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor  Katrien's website: antitwilight.com0:00 - Introduction to Katrien and Her Journey1:02 - Discovering Burnout in Academia2:31 - Transitioning from Research to Editing5:37 - Realities of Starting an Editing Business7:36 - Challenges in Attracting Clients10:40 - The Importance of Networking12:23 - Understanding the Role of Time for Academics15:57 - Crafting Effective Cold Emails19:45 - Addressing Pain Points for Potential Clients22:13 - Strategies for Engaging Prospective Clients24:33 - Addressing Common Client Struggles27:53 - The Significance of Writing Quality32:39 - Overcoming Personal Insecurities36:10 - Building Effective Marketing Copy50:10 - Final Thoughts and Inspirational Quote52:37 - How to Connect with Katrien Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.