Meet Jocelyn Carbonara
President & COO
Editor • Ghostwriter • Author Coach
As an editor and writer for more than 20 years, I passionately craft books that make a difference—in business and life.
After earning degrees in creative writing, mass communications, and literature, I began editing and writing for international magazines and marketing agencies. As president and founder of Spiritus, I also managed the careers of keynote speakers and served as a leadership consultant certified in change management. When speakers wanted to write books, I stepped in to ghostwrite or edit them. I also represented my clients’ books to major publishers and helped indie authors create their memoirs and nonfiction books. As word of mouth spread, I became a go-to editor and ghostwriter in business/leadership, memoir, health/well-being, inspiration/spirituality, addiction/trauma recovery, and social justice—earning me recognition as the #1 editor in North Carolina. As editor-in-chief of a workplace magazine, I also interviewed leaders such as Dr. Maya Angelou and NFL Coach Tony Dungy. And I was on the editorial team for an international newspaper covering research at the intersection of science and theology.
I devote myself to keeping an author’s "voice" intact, while obsessing over every detail to make a book compelling and transformational. I love delicious prose (I’m also a closet poet) and thrive on finding the perfect words to reflect a client’s vision; but I’m equally committed to ensuring the outline or arc is clear and robust. As a result, my clients’ books have won international awards and been endorsed by celebrities, bestselling authors, and prominent leaders.
In my free time, I enjoy gardening, hiking, running/road racing (or trying to), photography, and traveling almost anywhere.
“Jocelyn is a great editor. Her insight, intuition and practical approach was very helpful for me to achieve my finished product. She’s accurate, considerate, tactful, well prepared, and well planned. I’d recommend her to anyone wanting to work with a true professional.”
“Jocelyn is an amazing editor and just an amazing person overall! I am so grateful she took on my project as this was the first book I have ever written. Jocelyn invests in her clients from day one. She really listened to me throughout the editorial process and gave incredible guidance and support for my writing. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work with her...my book would not have been brought to life without her. I look forward to working with Jocelyn again!”
“Jocelyn was wonderful to work with. Her edits and comments were constructive and encouraging. As a new author, I felt like I was in great hands. I hope to work with her on my next books as well!”
“I could not have chosen a better editor for my memoir! Jocelyn is incredibly thorough and took the book to new heights. Her industry knowledge was invaluable and greatly aided me as I navigated the trials and tribulations as a first-time author. Your book will be in great hands as Jocelyn as your editor!”
“Jocelyn is simply amazing. She puts so much effort into her work, and she treats your book as if it was hers. What I loved most about Jocelyn and our collaboration is that she challenged me to dig deeper.”