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Artwork for Leaving Academia: Becoming a Freelance Editor

Leaving Academia: Becoming a Freelance Editor

Paulina Cossette
Academic Editing
Freelance Editing
Freelancing
Developmental Editing
Book Development
Editing
Editing Workshops
Social Justice
Academic Authors
Freelance Work
Teachers Transitioning To Freelance
Academia
Burnout
Coaching
Networking
Career Transition
Sabbatical Coaching
Coaching For Academics
Website Design
Search Engine Optimization

In 2019, I was a political science professor who was fed up with the stress and hostility of academia–not to mention the low pay. I left my tenure-track job and went from barely surviving to thriving as a freelance academic editor. Today, I own Acadia Editing Services, an editing and coaching business that brings in six figures a year.

In this podcast, I’ll discuss the challenges of academia, wha... more

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Artwork for Leaving Academia: Becoming a Freelance Editor

Latest Episodes

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 f... more

🎓 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 ... more

💰 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 ... more

🔥 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 edi... more

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Recent Guests

Meg Toth
Former tenured professor turned successful freelance academic editor
Birchwood Editing
Episode: How a Tenured Professor Left Academia and Built a Booked-Out Editing Business... in Just 2 Months
Laura Poole
Freelance editor with 28 years of experience working with university presses and journals
Episode: How to Land Steady Editing Work from University Presses and Journals
Jessica Freeman
Small business website designer with over a decade of experience.
Jess Creatives
Episode: The 3-Page Website Formula that Turns Visitors into Paying Clients
Lori Paximadis
An experienced book editor who transitioned from in-house roles to a successful freelance business.
Episode: Want to Earn More Money as an Editor? These Systems Will Change EVERYTHING
Acadia Editing Services
Paulina's own editing and coaching business, generating six figures annually.
Episode: Want to Earn More Money as an Editor? These Systems Will Change EVERYTHING
Bethany Wilinski
Associate Professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Michigan State University and Sabbatical Coach.
Michigan State University
Episode: From Sabbatical to CEO: How One Scholar Created a Thriving Coaching Side Hustle
Caroline Malloy
Former high school world history teacher and PhD in art history turned developmental editor and book coach
The Write Malloy
Episode: The Secret to Success in Writing Nonfiction: Insights from a PhD Turned Editor
Andrew Hodges
Cultural anthropologist who works in academic and fiction editing.
Self-employed editor and workshop facilitator
Episode: Fiction or Fantasy? How to Bring Your Passions into Your Editing Work
Ellen Morgan
Former middle school English teacher and academic editor
Wise Oak Consulting Collaborative
Episode: Can Middle School Teachers Become Academic Editors? Here’s how…

Host

Paulina Cosette
Host of Leaving Academia: Becoming a Freelance Editor, with a focus on helping other academics transition to freelance editing.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 15 ratings
  • A must-listen!

    If you’re an academic thinking about entrepreneurship, this podcast is a must-listen. Paulina and her guests offer practical, grounded strategies that are useful whether you’re just getting curious or already building your scholarpreneur path.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dr_JMac
    Netherlands2 months ago
  • Great and useful podcast

    I'm glad I found this podcast. Paulina finds interesting guests, and the conversation is full of useful info for the aspiring or mid-level editor.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    zachmauris
    United States8 months ago
  • Clinician

    Very informative and interesting.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Farybar
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Great stuff!

    These episodes are full of great content. The host knows exactly how to connect with the audience. No fluff, all good stuff! ~ Nata

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NSPhotobook
    United Statesa year ago
  • Essential Listening for Academics Ready to Go Freelance

    Paulina provides such a refreshing and practical perspective on transitioning from academia to freelancing. Her insights into the editing world, along with her honest advice, make this podcast a must-listen for anyone thinking about making the leap. She truly understands the challenges (and possibilities) of leaving academia and shares valuable strategies to build a thriving freelance career. Highly recommend!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    emily reagan
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the practical advice and personal stories shared by guests, acknowledging the relevance to their own experiences.
Many find the topics covered to be timely and impactful for those considering transitioning from academia to freelance work.
The host is praised for connecting well with guests and creating relatable content for aspiring editors.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

A Deep Dive into Developmental Editing: How to Find Academic Clients, Set Your Rates, and Deliver the Final Product
Q: What are a couple of pieces of advice you have for anyone who is thinking about becoming an editor?
I would recommend that people start by dipping their toes in, doing some editing. Also, I probably would recommend an informational interview with an editor who works in that area or works in that way.
How to Escape High School Teaching: Work 100% Remotely as an Academic Editor
Q: Can you tell us a little bit more specifically what type of editing you do?
Nicole focuses mainly on copy editing but also engages in line editing for non-native English speakers and enjoys projects that align with social justice values.
How to Escape High School Teaching: Work 100% Remotely as an Academic Editor
Q: What are some tips that someone can think about to know if they might actually be good at this or this is the right path for them?
Nicole suggests getting low-stakes experience through volunteer work and connecting with editing communities to assess interest and capability.
Fiction or Fantasy? How to Bring Your Passions into Your Editing Work
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out as an editor?
Get some editing experience to know if you enjoy it and listen to your heart about leaving academia if you're having doubts.
Can Middle School Teachers Become Academic Editors? Here’s how…
Q: What would you say to a K-12 teacher who doesn't have a PhD, who is thinking about academic editing?
Ellen reassures that a PhD is not necessary for success in editing and shares insights on what teachers can do to explore this career.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The focus of this podcast centers on the journey and challenges faced by individuals transitioning from academia to the realm of freelance editing. A range of topics is discussed, including strategies for establishing a successful editing business, effective networking methods with academic institutions, and optimizing one's online presence to attract clients. The show offers practical insights for aspiring freelance editors, emphasizing not only the technical aspects of editing but also the personal stories of guests who have made similar transitions. Unique to this series is the host's dual role as both an experienced editor and a coach, providing listeners with a blend of professional knowledge and personal mentorship.

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Your Words Unleashed
2. Sabbatical 101

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this podcast launched a year ago and published 68 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Meg Toth
2. Laura Poole
3. Jessica Freeman
4. Lori Paximadis
5. Acadia Editing Services
6. Bethany Wilinski
7. Caroline Malloy
8. Andrew Hodges

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