Before I became a writing coach, I was drowning in academia. I was juggling teaching, research, and endless revisions, all while wondering if my own book would ever see the light of day.
The ironic part? The only thing that brought me real joy was helping other people with their writing.
I've lived with Crohn's disease since I was four. While working as a visiting assistant professor, I ignored every warning sign and pushed too hard. After months of health issues and recovery, I had a choice: work myself into the ground again, or figure out what I actually wanted to do.
Now I help brilliant, overcommitted academic writers who are tired of feeling stuck. I bring 18 years of teaching, 13 years of editing, a PhD from UC Davis, two published books, and the lived experience of having been exactly where you are.
Academic Writing Coach & Editor, PhD
Hey, I'm Verena!
How We Can Work Together
Explore Editing Services →
You've been staring at the same draft for months. The structure feels slippery, the feedback was crushing, and you're not sure this thing will ever be ready. I give you editorial feedback that's sharp, kind, and actually useful. Think developmental guidance on argument and flow, or sentence-level polish that makes your prose shine.
Academic Editing Services
Let's Talk About Your Writing →
You're educated, driven, and genuinely brilliant. Externally, you're thriving. But internally? Your own writing keeps getting pushed to tomorrow, and the spark that got you here feels buried under obligations and self-doubt. Here, you’ll get thoughtful, steady support that combines the clear-eyed precision of an editor with the reflective perspective of a coach.
1-on-1 Writing Coaching
Bring a Retreat to Your Campus →
My workshops and retreats create the kind of intellectually alive, deeply humane space where you can reconnect with your work, your voice, and the reason you started this project in the first place. Focused writing time, proven structure, and a community that actually gets it.
Workshops & Writing Retreats
Miriam K.
“My experience as Verena’s client has been wonderful. I had never reached out to a consultant before, but I am so glad I did. She is kind, a great listener, and very knowledgeable. Her advice has given me a real sense of direction as I stare down the future.”
Omar S.
"As an early-career researcher, I was concerned about how I would manage to publish my work. Then I found Verena, and with her help, publishing even in the most prestigious journals was no longer daunting. She has a sharp eye for spotting even the smallest inconsistencies and an exceptional talent for structuring articles. Our collaboration has since resulted in a monograph, numerous articles, and book chapters."
You know that feeling: staring at a blinking cursor, wondering if you're the only one who feels this scattered, this stuck. I've been there too.
This library is my version of that: practical, heartfelt tools you can use right now to bring more clarity, structure, and kindness into your writing life.
Free Resource Library for Academic Writers
