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, what academic editing involves, and what life as a freelancer looks like. If you’re willing to jump outside your comfort zone, it IS possible to find joy, true flexibility, and a profitable and rewarding career as an academic editor.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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, what academic editing involves, and what life as a freelancer looks like. If you’re willing to jump outside your comfort zone, it IS possible to find joy, true flexibility, and a profitable and rewarding career as an academic editor.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why does investing in your academic business feel terrifying?
You've spent tens of thousands of dollars on your education—but when it comes to starting your academic editing or coaching business, you're trying to do it with zero investment, zero tools, and zero support. Why?
Because academia trained you to survive on scraps.
This week, I’m breaking down:
💡 Why investing feels so risky for academics
💡 How to shift into a true ROI (return on investment) mindset
💡 What I did wrong at first (and how I changed my strategy)
💡 Small, high-impact investments that can save you time and land you clients faster
If you're tired of spinning in circles and trying to figure it all out yourself—this episode will help you take that first powerful step toward a business that actually pays you (well!) and gives you your life back.
👇 Resources mentioned in this episode:
PerfectIt editing software: intelligentediting.com
BeefText: beeftext.org
TextExpander: textexpander.com
Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor
00:00 - Introduction of the topic about money in business.
00:52 - Importance of investment in your business, not treating it like a hobby.
03:28 - Academia teaches resourcefulness, not investment.
04:07 - Spending on your business is a responsible choice.
04:49 - You need tools and support to build a successful business.
06:10 - Reclaiming agency as a business owner is essential.
07:07 - Invest in learning how to run a successful business.
11:55 - DIY mindset keeps you stuck; investing buys back your time.
12:29 - Shift to an ROI mindset to think like a CEO.
14:32 - Statistical predictions guide your investment decisions.
20:04 - Coaching programs provide structure and accountability for growth.
22:22 - Tools and systems simplify workflows and improve efficiency.
24:26 - Use flexible payment options to attract more clients.
28:52 - Community support enhances your business journey.
31:00 - Over-analysis can hinder decision-making and progress.
35:00 - Start small but start investing now to see growth.
36:28 - Acting like a CEO boosts confidence in business.
38:00 - Investing improves your chances of attracting higher-paying clients.
39:58 - Your past investments in education justify new business investments.
41:45 - Importance of joining a program to support your growth.
42:28 - Conclusion and invitation to consider the program offered.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.