Dr. Jenn McClearen

I’m an academic writing coach and developmental editor, and a former professor at a research university.

I draw on over a decade inside the “publish or perish” system and years of experience supporting graduate students, faculty at all career stages, postdocs, and independent scholars in building sustainable writing practices and publishing their work.

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I help you reach your full potential and make a lasting impact through your writing. Whether it's strategizing a book manuscript or overcoming barriers like time constraints, lack of confidence, and competing responsibilities, I’m here to support you in doing your best work.

The institutional frameworks of neoliberal institutions stifle the important efforts of many scholars who are deeply committed to social change, such as improving education, eliminating gender and racial injustices, combating climate change, or other critical scholarship and teaching. 

I'm on a mission to build a community of like-minded scholars equipped to navigate academia and beyond while producing their best work—work that sparks meaningful change. 

My Mission

My Background

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I struggled as an academic writer early in my PhD at the University of Washington. I have a deep understanding of the difficulties faced when trying to navigate the unforgiving "publish or perish" culture.

I embarked on a personal quest to learn how to effectively manage my academic career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. These invaluable lessons propelled me through a successful tenure-track position at the University of Texas at Austin, where I won several awards for both research and teaching excellence.

I had weathered the storm, but I was determined to make the voyage easier for others. This drive led me to create Publish Not Perish, an academic writing newsletter and podcast for scholars who want to write more—without burning out.

After some deep soul-searching, I resigned from my tenure-track faculty position in 2024 to focus on what truly ignites me: helping other scholars design careers aligned with their values to effect meaningful change in society and for the planet. 

I earned my Associate Certified Coach credential in November 2025 with the International Coaching Federation, the gold standard in coach education. Additionally, I am currently pursuing a neurodivergent-inclusive coaching certificate to better serve the diversity of clients I work with.


Dr. McClearen's Academic Profile

5 Things to Know About Me

  • #1

    My scholarly background in feminist and cultural studies drives my commitment to exposing power disparities and dismantling various ideologies through my work.

  • #2

    While I critique academia, my time as a professor holds a special place in my heart, and I fully support my clients striving for institutional change!

  • #3

    I authored a national award-winning book on women, labor, and mixed martial arts, and I'm currently writing another for scholars on navigating the neoliberal academy.

  • #4

    I am a black belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu and have spent more than 18 years practicing martial arts.

  • #5

    My partner and I, along with our two fur babies, relocated to the Netherlands in summer 2024! 🇳🇱

Work With Me