Jocelyn Carbonara – Editor

I love editing books that make a difference—in business and life.

After earning degrees in creative writing and mass communications, I began editing and writing for national magazines and marketing agencies. I also managed the careers of speakers—including editing their books to build their platforms. Word of mouth spread, and I'm now a go-to editor for business/leadership, health/well-being, spirituality/inspiration, memoirs, addiction/trauma recovery—or any book with a positive message.

As a book editor for 20 years, I’ve worked on books for major publishers like McGraw Hill, John Wiley & Sons, Routledge, Career Press, and InterVarsity Press. I've ghostwritten books for a TV star, an NFL player, and a heroin addict turned doctor; contributed to more than a dozen leadership books; edited more than 70 books including non-fiction and fiction; and written articles for celebrities in magazines like Real Leaders, Victorious Living, and Recovery Today. I also craft books for corporations ranging from global companies to entrepreneurs, sometimes in collaboration with my husband, who is a ghostwriter. As editor-in-chief of an inspirational workplace magazine, I've written articles and interviewed leaders such as Dr. Maya Angelou, NFL coach Tony Dungy, and Dilbert cartoonist Scott Adams. I’ve represented books to publishers and helped indie authors print and sell their books. Several of the books I've edited have won awards. In other words, I know publishing.

Besides books, I edit research papers and dissertations and have written marketing copy for nearly every medium—including websites, print materials, emails, speeches, press releases, proposals, and video or audio interviews. I've also owned a leadership consulting firm for 20+ years serving companies like Walmart, AT&T Global, the federal government, and multiple healthcare systems—so I understand human behavior and motivation from a first-hand perspective. This broad experience helps me in editing a variety of books.

WHAT I DO:

As a proficient and creative developmental editor, I fill in gaps. I read between the lines to hear the message you aim to share. I pay attention not only to what the writing says, but the response it elicits. Is your book clear and complete? Are your concepts or characters well developed? Is the book repetitive or succinct? My edits are specific and easy to follow. I share everything I can to make your book better. I'm incredibly thorough.

I also love prose. I view word choice, grammar, and punctuation as crucial. I'm fluent in Chicago Style, so your book will be correct. I can format according to publishers' guidelines.

Most of all, I’m committed to keeping your writing "voice" intact—and helping you meet your goals.

I understand that hiring an editor can be scary. I make the process as easy as possible (and maybe even a little fun). I’ve helped authors write difficult, therapeutic stories—or books that build their businesses. My clients consistently refer me to others.

TESTIMONIALS:

“I'd been warned that the editing of a book was a tough process. I guess those people did not have Jocelyn as their editor. Her insights, edits, and questions enabled my book to become an international bestseller. I highly recommend Jocelyn for anyone wanting to get their books published and polished. I cannot imagine writing without Jocelyn in my corner.”—Laura Steward, award-winning #1 international bestselling author, What Would a Wise Woman Do? Questions to Ask Along the Way

“Jocelyn was a dream to work with. She helped move my book along when I really needed guidance to finish it. She's an exceptional writer and editor and gets excited about the topics she's involved with. I'd highly recommend her for any of your own publications.”—Jason Weaver, Tech CEO, author of Manager’s Guide to Online Marketing

“Man, did I hit the jackpot. Hiring Jocelyn as my editor for my first solo book couldn't have been a better match. Her expertise as an editor was complemented with promotional knowledge, familiarity with the adjunct skills a new book author would need to advance the book into the market, and her generous spirit of making introductions to other relevant services and authors that helped me. Start with her when you need help with your book, article, chapter, or blog, and you'll wind up comparing all the others to Jocelyn.”—Bruce Hazen, author of Answering the Three Career Questions

“If you are looking for a top-notch writer or editor, you need to hire and work with Jocelyn. She is a subject-matter expert who hits the mark consistently. I have worked with Jocelyn for more than 3 years now on a wide variety of high-level publishing assignments, books, and projects, and more—she makes everything I do look even better—every time! I highly recommend Jocelyn for your next important project.”—Anne Bruce, author of 22 books in leadership and self help