Leaving Academia: Becoming a Freelance Editor

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


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🎧 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

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Leaving Academia: Becoming a Freelance EditorBy Paulina Cossette

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