Logo for Dr Anna Clemens PhD who teaches scientific writing courses for researchers
Logo for Dr Anna Clemens PhD who teaches scientific writing courses for researchers
Dr Anna Clemens standing with her arm resting on a credenza, holding a mug.

Hey! I’m Anna, academic writing coach and founder of the Researchers’ Writing Academy.

In the Researchers’ Writing Academy, our academic writing program, we help researchers write scientific papers in a structured way so they can get published in their target journals consistently.

 

With the Journal Publication Formula, my signature scientific writing method, we have helped hundreds of researchers spend less time writing while producing concise and clear papers and enjoying the process.

 

I’m also the human to the cutest pup on the planet, into hiking up mountains whenever I can and probably just starting a new hobby.

 

Hey! I’m Anna, academic writing coach and founder of the Researchers’ Writing Academy.
Dr Anna Clemens smiling, looking at the camera

In the Researchers’ Writing Academy, our academic writing program, we help researchers write scientific papers in a structured way so they can get published in their target journals consistently.

 

With the Journal Publication Formula, my signature scientific writing method, we have helped hundreds of researchers spend less time writing while producing concise and clear papers and enjoying the process.

 

I’m also the human to the cutest pup on the planet, into hiking up mountains whenever I can and probably just starting a new hobby.

 

Here's what I know about you.

You're doing good science.

You strive to be a good mentor.

You want to impact your field.

What I also know is that you are still looking to get the recognition in your community that your science deserves.

That you don’t know how to write for wide audiences and that those high-ranking journals reject your papers more often than not.

And while everyone is shouting “publish or perish!”, writing a research paper is slow for you, sometimes painfully slow. It’s no secret that achieving your career goals would be easier, if you would publish your research at a faster pace.

AM I RIGHT IN GUESSING THAT YOUR DREAM IS A LONG AND FRUITFUL CAREER IN SCIENCE?

Illustration of researcher looking at papers and sitting in front of a laptop.

Here's what I know about you.

You're doing good science.

You strive to be a good mentor.

You want to impact your field.

Illustration of researcher looking at papers and sitting in front of a laptop.

What I also know is that you are still looking to get the recognition in your community that your science deserves.

That you don’t know how to write for wide audiences and that those high-ranking journals reject your papers more often than not.

And while everyone is shouting “publish or perish!”, writing a research paper is slow for you, sometimes painfully slow. It’s no secret that achieving your career goals would be easier, if you would publish your research at a faster pace.

AM I RIGHT IN GUESSING THAT YOUR DREAM IS A LONG AND FRUITFUL CAREER IN SCIENCE?

Ready for your writing to feel effortless?
Ready for your writing to feel effortless?
Orange squiggly arrow pointing in a down-right angle

Here's how we can help.

Dr Anna Clemens, founder of the Researchers' Writing Academy, sits at a desk, smiling while reviewing sections of an academic paper.

Let me start from the beginning (no worries, I’m skipping the anecdotes from my nursery days).

After finishing my PhD in Chemistry, I worked as a freelance science journalist and scientific editor improving papers for researchers.

But I wasn’t just proof-reading research papers. When I was revising a manuscript draft, I dug deep into its structure and narrative. Which meant that I was usually recommending authors to implement major changes in their research paper before submission.

HOWEVER:

What I began to realise was that this wasn’t an efficient way to write a paper because the authors had already spent months— sometimes years— on the paper. 

That's why I started to teach researchers how to develop a scientific paper that tells a succinct story. From scratch.

And it dawned on me that nobody was doing this.

An illustration of a young man with blond hair works on a laptop, wearing a blue jacket and white shirt. There's a speech bubble with an exclamation mark and a clock next to him.

There were either writing coaches helping academics make time to write or overcoming writer’s block — meaning they were focused on the process of writing.

An illustration of a woman in an orange blazer smiles gently while writing on a piece of paper with a pen.

Or there were editors who help perfecting an already written scientific paper. They concentrate on the content of the paper rather than the process. 

BUT THE WRITING PROCESS AND THE CONTENT OF A PAPER ARE INTERLINKED:

Using the systematic writing process I’m teaching inside the Researchers’ Writing Academy, you will write your papers fast (without all the rework!) AND make sure they are coherent, concise and compelling.

Let me introduce you to my…

…Scientific Paper Writing System! It's called:

THE JOURNAL PUBLICATION FORMULA

The proven method that:

  • Prevents procrastination by giving you a structured plan of where to start
  • Crafts a compelling narrative for your research paper without the pressure of having to “sell” your results
  • Makes those never-ending iterations with your co-authors a thing of the past
  • Helps you communicate your research clearly and concisely so your science can become more visible
  • Makes it irrelevant whether you are a native or non-native English speaker (hint: grammar matters a lot less than you may think)

Kind words about the JOURNAL PUBLICATION FORMULA

Before enrolling in the Researchers‘ Writing Academy, my writing always seemed kind of chunky and disconnected. More often than not, my co-authors and I would end up having an editing nightmare! Now, after joining the course, I can write a draft in just four weeks! And I have started to really enjoy writing.

Dr Jia NgDr Jia NgAssistant Professor at the Zucker School of Medicine, United States

I absolutely love, love the course. Anna gave me a formula that really makes sense. Once I watched the first module, I was hooked! During my enrollment, I worked on two first-author papers using the Journal Publication Formula. One of them was recently published. I consider myself fortunate that I found out about the Researchers’ Writing Academy.

Dr Katia CanenguezDr Katia CanenguezAssistant Professor, Harvard Medical School / Massachusetts General Hospital, US

Anna’s formula turns a complicated and oftentimes daunting task into an easy to follow method.

Dr Amy SardoneDr Amy SardonePostdoc, Ohio State University, US

Going through the process of the Journal Publication Formula gave me confidence into defining my own voice. The program is definitely worth the money spent.

Dr Amelie JeanneauDr Amelie JeanneauPostdoc, The University of Adelaide, Australia

The course significantly improved my process of engaging with and receiving feedback from my co-authors. It has cut down significantly on major edits of fully written manuscripts. Now there is less confusion and fewer surprises during the writing process!

Dr Oluwatoyosi A. OnwuemeneDr Oluwatoyosi A. OnwuemeneProfessor of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, US

The Journal Publication Formula and the coaching sessions elevated not only my writing skills but also the suggestions I can give to my students as they write their thesis. I recommend Anna's program to scholars in all stages of their careers who want to improve their academic writing."

Dr Emi UchidaDr Emi UchidaProfessor in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, University of Rhode Island, US

Before enrolling in the Researchers‘ Writing Academy, my writing always seemed kind of chunky and disconnected. More often than not, my co-authors and I would end up having an editing nightmare! Now, after joining the course, I can write a draft in just four weeks! And I have started to really enjoy writing.

Dr Jia NgDr Jia NgAssistant Professor at the Zucker School of Medicine, United States

I absolutely love, love the course. Anna gave me a formula that really makes sense. Once I watched the first module, I was hooked! During my enrollment, I worked on two first-author papers using the Journal Publication Formula. One of them was recently published. I consider myself fortunate that I found out about the Researchers’ Writing Academy.

Dr Katia CanenguezDr Katia CanenguezAssistant Professor, Harvard Medical School / Massachusetts General Hospital, US

Anna’s formula turns a complicated and oftentimes daunting task into an easy to follow method.

Dr Amy SardoneDr Amy SardonePostdoc, Ohio State University, US

Going through the process of the Journal Publication Formula gave me confidence into defining my own voice. The program is definitely worth the money spent.

Dr Amelie JeanneauDr Amelie JeanneauPostdoc, The University of Adelaide, Australia

The course significantly improved my process of engaging with and receiving feedback from my co-authors. It has cut down significantly on major edits of fully written manuscripts. Now there is less confusion and fewer surprises during the writing process!

Dr Oluwatoyosi A. OnwuemeneDr Oluwatoyosi A. OnwuemeneProfessor of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, US

The Journal Publication Formula and the coaching sessions elevated not only my writing skills but also the suggestions I can give to my students as they write their thesis. I recommend Anna's program to scholars in all stages of their careers who want to improve their academic writing."

Dr Emi UchidaDr Emi UchidaProfessor in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, University of Rhode Island, US

Choose your licence type to join the Researchers' Writing Academy:

Individual licence

Join as an individual researcher with our monthly payment plan for $87 USD per month!

Group Licence

Enrol with 6 or more researchers from your lab or department and get a discount of 30% per licence.

Institutional Licence

Have your whole university, graduate school or campus get access at a flat rate.

Individual licence

Join as an individual researcher with our monthly payment plan for $87 USD per month!

Group Licence

Enrol with 6 or more researchers from your lab or department and get a discount of 30% per licence.

Institutional Licence

Have your whole university, graduate school or campus get access at a flat rate.

Meet the Researchers' Writing Academy Team
Meet the  team

Anna Clemens, PhD

ACADEMIC WRITING COACH & FOUNDER

In the past years, I have helped hundreds of researchers inside the Researchers’ Writing Academy write more compelling scientific papers in less time.

Before becoming an academic writing coach, I worked as a scientist earning a PhD in Chemistry, and as a science journalist. My articles have appeared in “Scientific American” and other major popular science publications.

I have worked with many prestigious universities and researchers across the globe who were able to get their research papers published in top-tier journals such as “Nature Communications”, “Physical Review Letters” and “ACS Nano”.

Dr Anna Clemens standing next to her desk, holding her glasses in her hand

Anna Clemens, PhD

ACADEMIC WRITING COACH & FOUNDER

Dr Anna Clemens standing next to her desk, holding her glasses in her hand

In the past years, I have helped hundreds of researchers inside the Researchers’ Writing Academy write more compelling scientific papers in less time.

Before becoming an academic writing coach, I worked as a scientist earning a PhD in Chemistry, and as a science journalist. My articles have appeared in “Scientific American” and other major popular science publications.

I have worked with many prestigious universities and researchers across the globe who were able to get their research papers published in top-tier journals such as “Nature Communications”, “Physical Review Letters” and “ACS Nano”.

A little about AnnA:

  • I thought I was good at learning languages (I speak three completely fluently), until I attempted learning Czech. (Don’t ask.)
  • My podcast feed is 1/3 comedy, 1/3 philosophy and 1/3 politics.
  • I rarely work mornings, and am a big believer in prioritising deep work and creating systems so we can enjoy life fully.
  • That blue coffee mug in the photo is usually filled with decaf coffee and a splash of oat milk.
  • My dog is called Zuza and usually not more than a few meters away from me.
Andrea Frye smiling and looking at the camera

Andrea Frye

CLIENT SUPPORT AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Andrea makes sure that everything runs smoothly! She oversees the operations side of the business, solves admin issues, assists in marketing and sales, and supports our clients inside the Researchers' Writing Academy. You'll probably meet her in our Accountability Club, on a co-writing session or a writing retreat.

Andrea Frye

CLIENT SUPPORT AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Andrea Frye smiling and looking at the camera

Andrea makes sure that everything runs smoothly! She oversees the operations side of the business, solves admin issues, supports our clients inside our member-only Researchers’ Writing Community and assists in marketing and sales.

A little about ANDREA:

  • I’m from the Pacific Northwest (USA), so my favorite way to clear my mind is with an epic hike, deep in the forest or an afternoon on an alpine lake.
  • I have a very cuddly pup named Sid that looks like a mix between a little wolf and a hyena.
  • I’m a bit artsy and I love making elaborate, homemade greeting cards by using scraps of pictures found in discarded magazines and books.
  • Although I’m not a big movie person, I can’t resist a good documentary binge on the couch.

Emma Billington, MD

ACADEMIC WRITING COACH

Once you join the Researchers’ Writing Academy, you’ll meet Emma on our group coaching calls and get access to her brilliant writing advice!

Emma is a medical doctor and clinical researcher based in Calgary, Canada. Academic writing is her favourite part of the job and she has published over 30 research papers in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association and The Lancet. She has more than a decade of experience supporting fellow academics and trainees clearly communicate their research findings and get published. As she puts it, she strongly believes in the Journal Publication Formula that Anna developed.

Headshot of Dr Emma Billington

Emma Billington, MD

ACADEMIC WRITING COACH

Headshot of Dr Emma Billington

Once you join the Researchers’ Writing Academy, you’ll meet Emma on our group coaching calls and get access to her brilliant writing advise!

Emma is a medical doctor and clinical researcher based in Calgary, Canada. Academic writing is her favourite part of the job and she has published over 30 research papers in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association and The Lancet. She has more than a decade of experience supporting fellow academics and trainees clearly communicate their research findings and get published. As she puts it, she strongly believes in the Journal Publication Formula that Anna developed.

A little about emma:

  • I love writing so much that I write fiction in my spare time. I recently completed my first novel and am currently navigating the book publishing process (fingers crossed!).
  • I am certified in Culinary Medicine, which blends the art of cooking with the science of evidence-based medicine. I have absolutely zero natural aptitude for cooking, so this is a testament to the fact that anything is possible!
  • My dog is called Allan and he takes his job as supervisor (and sous chef) very seriously.
  • I’m an early riser and usually start my day with a run, bike ride, or hot yoga class
  • Like Anna, my coffee generally has a splash of oat milk in it (plus a healthy dose of caffeine)
Yvonne Rimar looking off into the distance

Yvonne Rimar

CLIENT SUPPORT AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Yvonne focuses on supporting members within the Researchers’ Writing Academy, so you might see her name pop up in emails, or meet her during a co-writing session.

Yvonne Rimar

CLIENT SUPPORT AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Yvonne Rimar looking off into the distance

A little about YVONNE:

Yvonne focuses on supporting members within the Researchers’ Writing Academy, so you might see her name pop up in emails, or meet her during a co-writing session.

  • My favourite way to perk up is with a cup of Earl Grey tea with a bit of milk
  • Baking with my 5 year old is a messy adventure, usually with unexpected results, but we both love it!
  • I’ve recently gotten into gardening. I find picking homegrown fruits and vegetables incredibly satisfying!
  • Speaking of gardening, my dog Roxy loves to sleep in flower pots and garden beds
  • I love all kinds of puzzles - jigsaw, crosswords, Sudoku, Wordle…
  • Walking in the woods is a daily necessity for me - it makes me feel calm and grounded
The Researchers' Writing Academy is a mission-driven business.
The Researchers' Writing Academy is a mission-driven business.

With our work, we are striving to:

  • Make academia a more diverse and joyful place for researchers from all backgrounds
  • Elevate the quality of the scientific literature making it more accessible and valuable to the scientific community and beyond

Our Values

Our work as a team and the way we teach and lead inside the Researchers' Writing Academy is guided by our core values:

  • We value deep work and working with systems and processes.
  • We prioritise our physical and mental health over working long hours and weekends.
  • We strive to continually develop personally and professionally and value self-reflection, initiative and kind direct communication.
  • While we have ambitious goals, we are not afraid to make mistakes (they are an opportunity to grow!).
  • We work in a solution- and data-oriented way instead of being drama-driven.

Making a difference

We truly want to make a difference with our work.

It’s beyond rewarding to experience how the Researchers’ Writing Academy is improving academics’ relationship with their writing (and thus, their well-being) and what impact our program has made on researchers’ careers.

We are also paying it forward: We always donate a minimum of 1% of our revenue to charities. In the past, we have donated to the Giving What We Can charitable funds, Médecins sans frontières (Doctors Without Borders), and Člověk v tísni (People In Need). Our goal is to raise this percentage to at least 5% as we grow.

✏️ NOT SURE IF THE RESEARCHERS’ WRITING ACADEMY IS A GOOD FIT FOR YOU?

A computer screen displaying a promotional banner for a free training session titled 'how to get published in high-ranking journals without lacking structure in the writing process' by Anna Clemens, Phd

IF YOU...

  • Procrastinate on your writing,

  • Need to get more effective at writing clearly and concisely, OR

  • Frequently get rejected by high-impact journals,

THE ANSWER IS PROBABLY YES!

Confirm by watching the training below.

WE HAVE WORKED WITH RESEARCHERS AT:

WE HAVE WORKED WITH RESEARCHERS AT:

🎧 Looking for a podcast guest?

Dr Anna Clemens with a headset on, smiling and getting ready to speak into a microphone

Anna would love to come on your podcast and speak about writing research papers efficiently, story-telling in scientific articles, avoiding desk-rejection and similar topics!

POTENTIAL QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK ANNA


•  Why is having flawless language and grammar in a manuscript less important than many think?

•  You have said that you do not believe in “Writer’s block”. Why?

•. What are your favourite strategies to stop procrastinating on writing?

• Can you explain why should we stop focusing on whether an author is a native or non-native English speaker?

•  What would you say to researchers who are afraid of “over-selling” their research by using storytelling in their paper?

• How does your writing system, the Journal Publication Formula, work?

•  What are your tips for researchers whose papers frequently get desk-rejected?

•  What are your tips for researchers for whom the writing process is slow?


PREVIOUS MEDIA APPEARENCES

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A computer screen displaying a promotional banner for a free training session titled 'how to get published in high-ranking journals without lacking structure in the writing process' by Anna Clemens, Phd


I created this training to answer your questions about how to write papers for top-tier journals fast without all the editing nightmares!

You’ll understand how to avoid the three top mistakes researchers make that get them stuck in procrastination and desk-rejection territory.

© Copyright 2018-2024 by Anna Clemens. All Rights Reserved. 

 

Photography by Alice Dix