Jocelyn Carbonara 9/4/25 Jocelyn Carbonara 9/4/25

An Editor’s Perspective: Developing and Preserving an Author’s Voice

If you’re writing a book, you’ve probably heard about author “voice.” One of the most common concerns I get from new authors is, “I want to make sure whatever editor I work with preserves my voice.”

That’s critical to me too. In our work as editors and ghostwriters, our goal is never to dilute or arbitrarily change your voice. Instead, we want to amplify it—to sharpen it, soften it, or work to make it as clear and impactful as possible.

But I often see confusion around author voice, so I’d like to demystify it a bit here.

Scott Carbonara 8/30/25 Scott Carbonara 8/30/25

Why Your Ghostwriter (or Editor) Needs to Be a “Fit”

A while ago, I contracted with “Antonio” (not his real name) to ghostwrite his highly personal memoir about a traumatic life event. When we first met, Antonio told me I was the fifth ghostwriter he’d interviewed, and he still hadn’t found his ideal writing partner. Before we finished the first meeting, we both knew we felt instant “chemistry” and would make an outstanding writing team. But I urged him to conduct his due diligence.

The ghostwriter/author (or editor/author) relationship is an intimate one. The last thing you want is to share the most personal details of your life with a ghostwriter only to discover quickly that you can’t stand the person writing your story!

Scott Carbonara 4/3/25 Scott Carbonara 4/3/25

What Does It Take to Be a Full-Time Writer?

Last month, an upcoming college freshman interviewed me about how to become a full-time writer. While I can’t speak for every writer, I shared the following tips with him, which I believe have contributed to my ability to work for so many years in a profession I love.

Scott Carbonara 3/27/25 Scott Carbonara 3/27/25

Have You “Scottified” Your Manuscript?

I’m currently ghostwriting and incorporating my client’s themes into his book. He’s an academic heavyweight with years of business experience, something I point out to explain that he’s not lacking in IQ points or business acumen. However, he reached out to us, because he knows that writing is not something he claims as his strong suit.

Early in our work together, I’d send him a draft of a chapter, and then he’d expound on his concepts where I didn’t have enough depth. (Note: When ghostwriting for a subject-matter expert, the expert will always know more than the writer.) In a recent chapter, knowing that he’d written his notes in a stream-of-consciousness fashion, he added a final comment:

“Please Scottify.”ary-goes-here

Jocelyn Carbonara 3/21/25 Jocelyn Carbonara 3/21/25

Put the Pen Down: When to Get Away

A professor in college once told my Soviet studies class, “Sometimes you have to go away to get close.” I can’t remember the reference, but the meaning behind the quote stuck to me permanently.

Writing can provide great therapy. It’s often an effective negotiation tool. It’s a means of making a living for many. For others, it’s a way to build a legacy or document a story. But there are times when putting the pen down for a while is the healthiest—and even most productive—choice. Here are a few of those times.

Jocelyn Carbonara 2/13/25 Jocelyn Carbonara 2/13/25

How to Trim a Manuscript That’s Too Long

Trimming words is often the hardest part of writing—which builds a case for a solid outline up front to organize your ideas and prevent “rambling” too far off track. Still, every book goes through a process where some material is left on the cutting room floor. If your manuscript needs to be trimmed based on your publisher’s or industry-standard guidelines, read on for strategic cutting tips.

Welcome to the Spiritus Books Blog

An Editor’s Perspective: Developing and Preserving an Author’s Voice

Why Your Ghostwriter (or Editor) Needs to Be a “Fit”

What Does It Take to Be a Full-Time Writer?

Have You “Scottified” Your Manuscript?

Put the Pen Down: When to Get Away

How to Trim a Manuscript That’s Too Long

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