Academic Book Coach & Developmental Editor

Jenn McClearen, Ph.D.

Connect with Jenn
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Write the book that matters—

sustainably and on your own terms.

Academic book coaching and developmental editing when you need a clear path forward, steady momentum, and a stronger manuscript.

Writing a book can be intellectually and emotionally draining.

Doing it alongside teaching, service, caregiving, and the rest of your life makes it even harder.

You may know where you want the book to go but still feel uncertain about what to prioritize, how to structure the work, or how to maintain momentum when conditions keep changing.

You need a clear plan and support that fits the reality of your life.

With the right support—individualized, understanding of structural constraints, and built for real conditions—things shift.

Writing becomes sustainable.

Decisions get clearer.

The messy middle becomes survivable.

Confidence grows.

That is precisely the work I do

with scholars at every stage of an academic book project,

from developing the initial idea to preparing the proposal to revising the manuscript.

Depending on your needs, our work can include

  • Strategizing for academic book publishing

  • Creating a plan and accountability structure

  • Managing the juggling act that is faculty life

  • Working through perfectionism and building confidence

  • Negotiating peer review reports and other feedback

  • Receiving developmental feedback on the manuscript itself

Rather than applying a fixed formula,

we build an approach around your

project, goals, working style,

and actual circumstances.

Two Ways to Work Together

  • Strategy & Structure Program

    Coaching

    2-3 Months

    For scholars who need a sustainable way to move the book forward.

    Choose this program when your main challenge is planning the work, protecting time for it, maintaining momentum, or working through the internal barriers that make writing harder.

    Explore Strategy & Structure

  • Book Development Program

    Coaching + Developmental Editing

    6-9 Months

    For scholars who want sustained support developing both their writing practice and the manuscript itself.

    Choose this program when you want an editorial thought partner who can help strengthen the manuscript while you navigate the practical and psychological demands of writing it.

    Explore Book Development

I intimately understand the intellectual and practical demands of academic book writing.

As a former professor, developmental editor, and scholarly writing coach, I help authors make sound decisions about both the manuscript and the writing process.

Our work is individualized because the most effective approach is one built around your project, goals, and actual working conditions.

Hi, I’m Jenn.

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Not sure what kind of support you need?

Tell me a little about your book, where you are in the process, and what feels difficult. I’ll help you think through the options and determine whether working together is the right fit.

Simply fill out the form below or email me at jenn@jennmcclearen.com.

We can figure it out together.

Let's Chat