Academic Writing

Coaching

for Scholars

A Partnership that Moves

Your Career Forward

Whether it’s getting the promotion, securing tenure, or building the reputation your research deserves

—your publication record matters. A lot.

It’s not just about writing—it’s about navigating everything that makes that so difficult, including:

✵ Juggling teaching, research, service, and everything in between

✵ Navigating perfectionism in a culture of constant critique and rejection

✵ Managing nonstop demands with little time to pause or reflect

✵ Struggling to carve out space for writing—let alone enjoy the process

✵ Overwhelmed by the pressure to complete a book or large-scale project

But getting to those projects to the finish line?

That's the part no one prepares you for.

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That’s where I come in.

As your academic writing coach, I’ll help you build a consistent and meaningful writing practice that works in real life—not in some perfect world where your inbox is empty and your calendar is wide open.

Together, we’ll not only create a plan that fits your life—we’ll also work through the inevitable challenges, reflect on what’s working (and what’s not), and make steady, meaningful progress toward your goals.

If you need structure, strategy, and follow-through, I’m your gal. You don’t have to power through on your own.

About Jenn

You can write, publish, and move your career forward—without the stress, the second-guessing, or the burnout. And I’m here to help you every step of the way.

Ready for more clarity, momentum, or structure in your writing?

Start a conversation with me, and we’ll look at where you are and what would genuinely help you make progress.

Let's Connect!

Client Testimonials

  • Close-up of a woman with curly brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a black blazer and a striped shirt, outdoors with a blurred green background.

    "I truly cannot overstate how impactful our work together was."

    Working with Jenn during the summer after my first year on the tenure track was so incredibly life-giving.

    First, I was able to finally submit (and get an R&R!) on a dissertation paper I had been dragging my feet on as a direct result of our work together. Specifically, Jenn helped me recognize and overcome some specific mindset roadblocks I didn't even realize I had around writing; and she also supported me in articulating and analyzing my writing process clearly for the first time. This fundamentally changed my research process!

    Jenn is incredibly kind, supportive, organized, and clear in her communication and approach. I truly cannot overstate how impactful our work together was, and I recommend working with her to anyone who is feeling lost about their research, writing, and/or career!

    Dr. Meaghan McSorley, Assistant Professor, Florida State University

  • A cheerful woman with short hair, wearing colorful tortoiseshell glasses, smiling with her hand resting on her chin, in an outdoor setting at night.

    "I’ve learned how to envision the career I want and take actionable steps toward achieving it. "

    Jenn has been a steady source of support, encouragement, and guidance. She doesn’t just give advice—she models everything she offers. As her client, I’ve learned how to envision the career I want and take actionable steps toward achieving it.

    She’s helped me prioritize the projects that matter most to me and find better ways to manage my time as a neurodivergent person and parent of a neurodivergent child. 

    Dr. Briana Barner, Assistant Professor, University of Maryland

  • A woman smiling outdoors with blurred cars and buildings in the background.

    "These shifts in my mindset have helped me grow more confident as a scholar."

    Working with Jenn has helped me transform my relationship to writing. Her attentive listening, suggestions, and positive reinforcement have helped me decrease my anxiety towards writing and remember all the things I love about writing.

    Jenn's coaching has helped me think of writing as any other part of my life, rather than a high-stakes "my career depends on this" act of perfection. These shifts in my mindset have helped me grow more confident as a scholar and move towards a daily writing practice. 

    Dr. Karolina Dos Santos, Postdoctoral Scholar, New York University Gallatin

  • A smiling woman with dark hair, wearing a headband with pearls, earrings, a nose piercing, a black top, and a tan ribbed skirt, outdoors with a blurred background of trees and sunlight.

    "Jenn is able to decipher an end goal through what felt like my confused rambling."

    What I appreciated about working with Jenn is that when you tell her about your project, what you want to accomplish, and what you are having trouble with, she can turn it into tangible and specific goals with solutions. She is able to decipher an end goal through what felt like my confused rambling.

    In the time I worked with Jenn, I was able to complete my dissertation, which has now garnered the interest of publishers and is the blueprint for my forthcoming book. Additionally, I was able to write, revise, and publish my first peer-reviewed academic article. Her help is invaluable and neither of these projects could have been completed without her assistance.

    Dr. Lily Kunda, Assistant Teaching Professor, The College of William and Mary

  • Person reaching out hand towards the setting sun over a calm body of water during sunset.

    "Jenn's support and guidance have empowered me to overcome mental barriers, prioritize my goals, and approach academic writing with renewed confidence and clarity.

    Working with Jenn has been transformative—she has helped me cultivate a positive and productive relationship with writing through sustainable routines and clear strategies. Her support and guidance have empowered me to overcome mental barriers, prioritize my goals, and approach academic writing with renewed confidence and clarity.

    Anonymous

  • Two hands reach towards each other, one hand wearing a black long sleeve and the other wearing a red hoodie. The background is plain and light-colored.

    "I am so glad I found Jenn at this stage of my career."

    Jenn is an amazing coach. She is gentle, receptive, and, most importantly, she has helped me overcome my fears of academic writing. Her structured outlines, discussion point recaps, and clear next steps truly bring clarity to the task at hand. I greatly appreciate her prompt replies and encouraging notes. I am so glad I found her at this stage of my career.

    Dr. Muniza Askari, SPJ Singapore Campus

Your Customized Path to Success

  • #1 CLARIFY YOUR FOCUS

    We begin by identifying your most meaningful writing goals and uncovering what’s keeping you stuck—so you can move forward with purpose, not pressure.

  • #2 BUILD FOR SUSTAINABILITY

    We co-create a writing plan that fits your actual life—so you can build consistency without burnout, even when things get busy.

  • #3 MAINTAIN MOMENTUM

    With regular check-ins, mindset support, and strategy, you’ll keep momentum going—so your projects don’t stay stuck in draft form and your work makes it out into the world.

Proven Results: How Coaching Transforms Careers

  • Orange background with white text displaying 74%.

    Enhanced Goal Achievement

    Individuals who received coaching were 74% more effective at setting goals and following through, according to a meta-analysis—helping them gain clarity, stay focused, and make real progress. (Source)

  • A digital progress indicator showing 80% completion.

    Increased Self Confidence

    Approximately 80% of coaching clients report greater self-confidence, based on survey data—empowering them to take action and pursue meaningful goals. (Source)

  • A beige background with white text that reads '7x'.

    Financial Return on Coaching

    One study found that coaching paid for itself—and then some. On average, organizations who invested in coaching earned back seven times what they spent—a powerful indicator of coaching’s value. (Source)

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    Improved Well-Being

    Research suggests coaching may lead to a 46% increase in well-being—supporting stress reduction, life satisfaction, and resilience. (Source)

Are you a faculty member, postdoc, or professor who wants support with your academic writing?

Perhaps you are…

An Assistant Professor on the Tenure Track

who’s balancing teaching, service, and research.

A Postdoc with Big Goals but Stalled Projects

—held back by perfectionism, imposter syndrome, or procrastination.

A Seasoned Professor Done With Burnout Culture 

who’s ready to build a sustainable, values-aligned writing practice.

You’re in the right place.

If you're ready to make progress on your most important writing goals

with structure, support, and clarity, this coaching experience was built for you.

Picture this…

You’re approaching your promotional review, and instead of panic, you feel steady. Your writing is on track, and your most important projects are finally moving forward—not stuck in endless draft mode.

You’re no longer losing weeks to avoidance or overthinking. You sit down to write with clarity, purpose, and a plan that fits your real life.

Your promotion file is growing stronger with every submission. You’re publishing more, staying visible, and building momentum—without running yourself into the ground.

And when you close your laptop, you actually have time and energy left for the rest of your life.

You’re not just working toward promotion. You’re creating a career—and a life—you actually want.

Ready to get started?

Contact Me

Let’s turn your writing goals into an action plan you can actually follow.

Our Approach: Structure and Strategy

  • A typewriter with a sheet of paper typed with the word 'Goals' in the center.

    Get Clear on What Matters Most

    We start with a strategy session where we take a deep dive into your goals, challenges, and priorities. Together, we’ll design a custom action plan and a clear, grounded path forward.

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    Build Momentum and Shift What's Stuck

    In regular coaching sessions, we’ll focus on reflection, problem-solving, and mindset shifts to help you make steady, meaningful progress—always grounded in your real-life context.

  • Two people exchanging mugs on a white table inside a room with a window and a potted plant.

    Support When You Need It Most

    You’ll have access to me via email or WhatsApp between sessions, so you’re never stuck waiting. Whether you need encouragement, feedback, or a gentle nudge, I’m here to help you keep moving forward.

  • A compass placed on financial documents or stock market data with numbers and financial figures.

    Keep Going with Clarity

    In our final session, we’ll reflect on your progress and create a sustainability plan to carry your momentum forward—so you can keep writing and building your career with clarity and confidence.

Two Pathways for Success

Whether you’re building foundational writing habits or ready to complete your book manuscript, I offer programs designed to meet you exactly where you are and take you where you want to go.

  • A blue box that says 10-week Writing Program, $1850 plus VAT in the UK and EU or $370 a month for 5 months

    Develop a consistent writing practice that works in real life—juggling teaching, service, and everything else—while making meaningful progress on the projects that matter most for your career.

    Get structure, accountability, and support to help you write more consistently, overcome the challenges that get in your way, and build momentum that lasts.

    What's Included:

    ✵ 90-minute strategy session to design your personalized writing plan

    ✵ Four 60-minute one-on-one coaching sessions for support, accountability, and strategic problem-solving

    ✵ Email support between sessions for encouragement and guidance when you need it

    ✵ 30-minute closing session to create your sustainability plan for ongoing success

  • A blue box that says 6-Month Book Program, $5250 plus VAT in the UK and EU or $525 a month for 10 months

    Complete your book manuscript with the combined power of developmental editing and writing coaching—editorial expertise to strengthen your manuscript paired with ongoing support to help you sustain progress and finish strong.

    Get professional feedback on your argument, structure, and voice while building the momentum, accountability, and strategic practices you need to carry your manuscript across the finish line.

    What's Included:

    ✵ Initial 90-minute strategy session to assess where your manuscript is now, clarify your goals, and create your path forward

    ✵ Nine one-on-one coaching sessions to maintain momentum, navigate challenges, and keep your writing on track

    ✵ Developmental editing of up to 30,000 words (to be used within one year of the start date) with comprehensive feedback on argument, structure, voice, and positioning

    ✵ Email support between sessions for accountability, encouragement, and guidance

    ✵ Final 30-minute session to create your sustainability plan for continued writing success

    Why combine them?

    Developmental editing refines your manuscript. Coaching supports you in completing the work. Together, they ensure you finish with a manuscript ready for submission and the practices to sustain your writing life beyond this project.

    Bonus

    Complementary access to my self-paced 10-module course, Flourish: Cultivating a Sustainable Writing Practice.

Learn More About Book Coaching

Upgrades to Deepen Your Writing Support
Enhance your progress with these tailored options.

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    Manuscript Editing

    Take Your Draft to the Next Level
    Add additional developmental editing to either program for in-depth feedback on structure, argumentation, clarity, and coherence. Strengthen your manuscript with clear, actionable insights.

    Learn more about developmental editing here.

  • A person with long hair wearing a denim jacket and a yellow shirt is holding hands with another person, who is wearing a gray long sleeve shirt. The focus is on their hands.

    Long-Term Project Support

    Stay on Track with Ongoing Guidance
    Working on a big project like a book manuscript or ensuring you have enough publications for tenure can feel overwhelming. Extend your support in either package for continued accountability, structure, and expert feedback.

    Let’s plan for your long-term success.

Looking for support with your writing?

Let’s talk.

Fill out the form below—or email me at jenn@jennmcclearen.com—and tell me a bit about your writing goals or challenges. I’ll be in touch soon to talk through options and see whether working together is the right fit.

I know every scholar’s needs are different, and I’m happy to design a plan that meets you where you are and helps you move forward with clarity, momentum, and confidence.

Start your inquiry below. I look forward to hearing from you.

⬇

Send Inquiry

Why Your Writing Deserves the Investment

  • Time Saved

    Avoidance, overthinking, and decision fatigue can waste weeks or months of valuable time and delay your progress.

    I help you cut through the clutter so you can move forward with clarity and confidence—focusing on what matters most, whether it’s publishing, grant writing, or making space for what you love.

  • Projects Completed

    Projects often stall in the middle, leaving you with unfinished drafts that don’t move your career forward.

    With my support, you gain the accountability and structure to push through roadblocks and see your projects through to completion. Imagine the impact of actually finishing what you started.

  • Momentum Built

    Delays in publishing can ripple into missed raises, weaker tenure and promotion files, and lost opportunities for grants or awards.

    I help you stay on track with a sustainable writing rhythm that not only meets your professional goals but also supports your long-term career trajectory. Momentum isn’t a lucky break—it’s a practice.

  • Burnout Avoided

    The pressure to do everything can lead to overwork and burnout, which may cause a significant dip in productivity and overall well-being.

    Together, we craft effective and sustainable work and life habits that let you make real progress—without running yourself into the ground. Your work deserves to thrive, and so do you.

First Session Satifaction Policy

I’m confident in the value of this coaching experience—but I also know how important it is to feel like the right fit. If after our first 90-minute session you don’t feel supported or aligned with the approach, please let me know within 48 hours. I'll offer a refund (minus a €300 fee) and cancel the remaining portion of the package.

My goal is never to pressure you into continuing something that doesn’t serve you. I want you to feel empowered, not stuck—and that starts with trust.

FAQs

  • Developmental editing and coaching serve different—though often related—purposes in your writing life.

    Developmental editing focuses on improving a specific piece of writing. An editor will give you detailed feedback on structure, argumentation, clarity, and coherence to help you strengthen a manuscript in progress. It’s about shaping that article, that chapter, that proposal into its best possible form.

    Coaching, on the other hand, focuses on you—your process, habits, mindset, and long-term goals as a writer and scholar. Coaching supports you in building the systems and self-awareness you need to write more consistently, reduce avoidance, navigate self-doubt, and make steady progress on high-stakes projects. It’s about creating sustainable practices that help you move forward not just once, but again and again.

    I always say that editing supports the writing and coaching supports the writer.

    Writers often benefit from both modes. Editing can refine your work. Coaching helps you get it written in the first place—and keep writing long after.

    I offer developmental editing as a feature of the 6-month Book Program and an upgrade to my 10-Week Writing Program. See the next FAQ for more info.

  • Developmental editing is included as a core feature of my 6-Month Book Writing Program (up to 30,000 words). For my 10-Week Writing Program, developmental editing is available as an add-on at $0.08 per word.

    Because of my own academic background, I specialize in editing work in the humanities and qualitative social sciences. That's where I can offer the most meaningful and field-specific support—especially when it comes to argument development, voice, and structure.

    Many clients choose to combine coaching and editing—using coaching to keep the writing moving and editing to sharpen the work when it's ready. Whether editing is included in your program or added on, you don't have to choose one or the other if both would support your goals.

    We can talk through the best fit during your discovery call.

  • That’s exactly why coaching can help. We’ll build strategies that work with your real schedule, not an ideal one. And if a rough week happens, we’ll adjust without judgment.

  • I work with scholars on a wide range of writing projects, including books, journal articles, grant proposals, conference papers, and dissertations. Whether you're working toward tenure, preparing for the job market, or trying to carve out time for a long-delayed project, we can tailor our work together to fit your goals.

    Please note that I can offer coaching for any discipline but only offer developmental editing in the humanities and qualitative social sciences.

  • Yes, I work with all of the above! I coach scholars at various stages of their academic journey—from PhD students navigating dissertation writing and early publishing to precariously employed faculty looking to augment their publications for the job market to mid-career faculty balancing research, teaching, service, and leadership responsibilities.

    Whether you're just starting out or looking to regain momentum later in your career, I tailor my coaching to meet you where you are and support your goals without adding to the overwhelm.

  • Most clients meet with me approximately every other week over the course of 10 weeks or 6 months, which provides momentum with space to integrate. That said, we can absolutely discuss meeting more frequently or spreading coaching sessions out to fit your needs.

    For example, if you have a pressing deadline you need support on, we could design our work together to span 5 weeks, meeting once a week.

  • Of course, only you can answer that question for yourself! But I invite you to consider what it might be costing you to stay stuck—missed deadlines, ongoing stress, projects that don’t move forward, and the nagging feeling that you’re not reaching your full potential.

    The professional, emotional, and even financial impacts of stalled progress can be significant. For scholars working toward tenure or promotion, unfinished writing can contribute to delayed recognition, fewer opportunities, or a more uncertain path forward. And the toll it takes—on confidence, well-being, and peace of mind—is just as real.

    Coaching is both a time and financial investment, and it isn’t a quick fix. But many clients find that the structure, clarity, and support it offers make a meaningful difference—not only in how much they write but also in how they feel about the work.

    Everyone’s experience is different, and there are no absolutes. But if you're ready to shift out of survival mode and into steady, supported progress, this may be the right next step.

    Many clients have told me, once they began, I wish I’d started sooner.

  • I want you to feel confident in your decision to invest in coaching. If after the strategy session, you feel like we aren’t a good fit for your needs, then reach out within 48 hours, and I will issue a refund (minus a €300 fee).

  • Yes, many of my clients use university funds to pay for coaching. Typically you connect me with a department administrator and they pay me directly.

  • Yes—flexible payment options are available. You’re welcome to pay in monthly installments rather than all at once, and I’m happy to discuss a longer plan if that would make coaching more accessible.

    I also offer a small number of scholarships for scholars with financial need. If cost is a barrier, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be glad to talk with you about what’s possible: jenn@jennmcclearen.com.

  • Coaching and therapy can both be powerful forms of support—but they serve different purposes.

    Therapy is typically focused on healing, mental health, and addressing past experiences or emotional difficulties that may be interfering with your well-being. Therapists are licensed professionals trained to work with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and other psychological concerns.

    Coaching, by contrast, is forward-looking. It’s focused on helping you clarify goals, develop strategies, and build the habits, mindset, and support systems you need to move forward—whether that means finishing your book, navigating academic expectations, or creating a more sustainable writing practice. Coaching is not a substitute for mental health treatment, but it can be a valuable complement if you’re feeling generally well and want guidance, structure, and accountability.

You don’t have to do this alone.

I remember what it felt like to be overwhelmed by academic writing—confused by what was expected, second-guessing everything I put on the page, and wondering if I was really cut out for this path. Those struggles started for me in graduate school, and they nearly derailed my confidence before my career had even begun.

Over time, I learned how to write with more clarity, resilience, and purpose. I carried those tools with me into a successful tenure-track position, and now I use them to support other scholars who are facing the pressure to publish—and to do it all perfectly.

If you’re feeling behind, stuck, or unsure how to move forward, you’re not alone. And the risk of staying stuck is often far greater than the risk of asking for support.

You deserve a writing life that’s not defined by panic or perfectionism, but by progress. You deserve to finish your projects, to feel proud of what you publish, and to build a career that reflects your values—not just your obligations.

This is your chance to get the support you need to do your best work without burning out. I’d love to be in your corner.

Let’s make it happen—together.

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