From the Lab to Multi-6 Figures: How this STEM PhD Built a Medical Writing Empire

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/map

Work 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

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