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

🎧 Burned out in academia and ready to reclaim your time, income, and sanity? You don't need another degree to escape — you just need a plan.

Important NOTES for this episode:

👉 There are just 3 spots left in the September cohort of BAE. Doors close August 22.

Go here to save your seat before they're gone: https://acadiaediting.com/editingfreedom_postlaunch/?utm_source=acast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=ep49

In this episode, I walk you through the three essential steps to become a freelance academic editor or coach — even if you’ve never edited professionally or built a business before.

You’ll hear exactly how I transitioned from a tenure-track job to a six-figure freelance business, and how you can do the same, starting today.

I share:

👉 How to break into editing without a certificate

👉 The first actions to take if you want to coach instead of edit

👉 Why editing agencies can be your best (temporary) training ground

👉 Real-world examples of students who were fully booked within weeks of finishing the program

👉 A behind-the-scenes look at my BAE program and how it works

Whether you're looking to replace your academic job or build a lucrative side hustle, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and roadmap you need.

📌 Mentioned in this episode:

BAE Program Info & Enrollment:

https://acadiaediting.com/editingfreedom_postlaunch/?utm_source=acast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=ep49

Map Your Academic Business workbook:

https://acadiaediting.com/map/?utm_source=acast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=ep49

2:06 - My Story Leaving Academia

3:54 - Prioritizing Happiness and Freedom

5:57 - Six Figures Working Part-Time

6:54 - What Academic Editors Actually Do

7:16 - Developmental Editing Overview

8:13 - Copy Editing Tasks Explained

8:56 - Editing Agencies Pros and Cons

10:17 - Coaching Options With Editing

11:12 - What Problems Can You Solve?

12:28 - Skills Editors Need Most

13:43 - How To Land Editing Jobs

14:24 - Create a One-Page Resume

15:17 - Why Agencies Aren't Ideal

16:58 - How to Start Coaching Business

17:43 - What Is Your Ideal Client?

18:37 - Lisa's Success Story Example

19:38 - Step 2 Network and Attract

20:00 - Website Copywriting Tips

21:34 - Step 3 Hone Your Expertise

22:22 - Earn $150+ Per Hour Editing

23:65 - Coaching: Charge $100+ Hourly (Minimum)

25:27 - BAE Program Details Explained

26:06 - 12-Week Group Coaching Cohort

Q&A

27:26 - Program Includes Money Tracking

28:56 - Can I Enroll in 2026?

29:05 - AI and Future Editing Jobs?

30:94 - Editing in Other Languages?

31:64 - Stick To Your Editing Field?

32:80 - Standard For Manuscript Quality?

34:13 - Examples of Academic Coaches

35:52 - Non-Native English Writers

36:21 - Line Editing vs Copy Editing

37:80 - Explore Multiple Options?

39:03 - Don't Let Fear Get In The Way

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