Leaving Academia: Becoming a Freelance Editor28 Aug 2025

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

Are you burned out from academia but still love research and writing? You’re not alone.

In this episode, I talk to Anna Clemens, a chemistry PhD who left research to become an academic writing coach. Through her Journal Publication Formula, Anna helps researchers get published faster—without the overwhelm. What started as a blog turned into a full-blown coaching business, and she now runs the Researchers' Writing Academy, supporting scholars around the world.

Anna shares how she navigated the transition, what made her pivot from editing to coaching, and how she built a business that gives her freedom and fulfillment.

If you’ve ever wondered how your academic skills could be used in a more meaningful, flexible way—this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen now and discover how you can turn your love for writing into a freelance business you actually enjoy--and that pays the bills (and more!).

Resources:

🔗 Researchers' Writing Academy: https://annaclemens.com/

🎓 Free Training with Anna: https://annaclemens.com/training/

🧠 Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/45PjRsI

👉 Want to end burnout and build an academic business that fulfills you? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor

2:31 - Meet Anna, Academic Writing Coach

5:07 - Anna's PhD Journey Frustrations

10:18 - Finding Joy in Writing

15:35 - Leaving Academia, Why The Shift

20:00 - Exploring Freelance & Internships

25:00 - Transitioning to Writing Coaching

30:00 - Building the Researchers' Writing Academy

35:00 - The Power of Community Support

40:00 - Marketing Your Business

45:00 - Academic Skills for Business Success

50:00 - Embrace Continuous Learning

55:00 - Final Takeaways & Resources

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