Academic writing coaching

[tostaky]

Hi, I am doing a professional doctorate (i hope it is ok to post here!) and im struggling with kids/work/busy life/ full time job AND writing!

Im working class and ive just realised that i have a big imposter syndrome as well as zero writing skills (my master was 20 years ago and a disaster though they did give me a pass). Id like some help in writing, more help than what my supervisor can offer (1hr group supervision every half term plus email support).

I have seen on instagram academic coaching programs such as "the thriving scientist" and it looks really promising but its really pricey...

I wonder if anyone had tried such a programme (this one or a similar one) and if it has been helpful. Maybe you have one to recommend?

Thanks

Why not see what your institution can offer first? There are often postgraduate and early career researcher (ECR) training and skills sessions offered through your Doctoral school or college (well, there are at my place). It's tricky if you're at a non-research-intensive university, but there should still be some skills training beyond your supervisor.

My place runs virtual writing retreats (people all log in at once on Teams, do a couple of group exercises, then write for some time, then meet back up to compare notes) and in-person & online sessions about academic writing for journal articles but the principles of academic writing are pretty much the same.

You could also team up with others in your department and work as writing buddies.

As for style and so on - just write! It's easier to edit bad or unclear or ungrammatical writing, than edit a blank page.

I always recommend the book (and website) by Peter Elbow: Writing with Power. He has lots of ideas and strategies for all types of writing, and his approach is to take the fear & status out of writing, and present it as something that anyone can do.

Agree to lean on your unis facilities: most will offer something. And share your worries and imposter syndrome with your supervisor: they should be sympathetic and may have suggestions to help.
If you’re keen to buy some 1-1 support however, can recommend Jo VanEvery. But will depend on your discipline too: this is best for soc sci/humanities.

Thank you both for your ideas. I think my uni does actually offer some writing sessions/retreats now i think about it!

Could I ask what a 'professional doctorate' is?
I'm doing a PhD and also come from a working class background so I totally get the imposter syndrome angle.
I'm also a mature student so I'm very jealous of student who have come straight from BA and MA who I feel have all that scholarly knowledge fresh in their minds.

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Recommend the work of Rowena Murray to help you along the way.
The Perfect English website is good
And - be honest with your supervisor and tell them it’s something you’re aware of, and are they able to pay particular attention to this in feedback on a piece of writing? I would be happy to do this if it was something a student was anxious about.

My professional doctorate a 4 years degree, 4 days work and 1 day of uni/studying a week.

It is also subsidised by the NHS. We have a research paper to write as well as several academic papers. It's an awful lot of writing!

Not sure how it compares to other doctorates pro or not.

Thank you for the recommendations! This is exactly what i need (english grammar!) and what i want (writing retreats)

I find the best thing that supported my writing for my Masters and PhD was the academic phrasebank by the University of Manchester. It really helped give me structure, write in an academic way and was extremely useful. I often recommend it moatly to non native English speakers but useful to everyone and free unlike many you suggest. Just select introduction and then use the structure given. Then do the same for methoda etc etc. Also see what is offered by your inatitution

Thank you - i will look at it.