Transitioning out of the military can be a challenging process, not just for service members but for their families as well. Military spouses often find themselves uprooted, facing career challenges, and searching for new opportunities. On this episode of Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Brunella Costagliola, a best-selling ghostwriter, editor, award-winning author, journalist, translator and founder of the Military Editor Agency with over a decade of experience in publishing. Her journey from struggling military spouse to a recognized name in the literary world is nothing short of inspiring.
The Struggles of Military Transition as a Spouse
Brunella CostagliolaFor Brunella, the transition wasn’t just about her husband's shift from military to civilian life— it was about her own professional upheaval. She had built a promising career as an English teacher in England, earning a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language from Cambridge. Just as she was offered a prestigious contract, her husband received orders to relocate to the Netherlands.Like many military spouses, she found herself in an unfamiliar place, with no job prospects and a language barrier limiting her employment opportunities.
“I was unemployed, with no chances of employment as an English teacher in the Netherlands because I was required to be fluent in Dutch. I had a brand new baby and all these degrees that I had worked so hard for, yet no job lined up. It was incredibly tough,” she shared.
Her experience echoes the struggles of countless military spouses who are forced to sacrifice their careers due to frequent relocations. She even recalled using her baby’s nap times to cry in frustration over the situation. But it was during one of these moments of despair that her husband gave her the lifeline she needed:
“You've always loved to write, so why don’t you write something while he naps?”
The Birth of an Entrepreneur
With that encouragement, Brunella began using those precious nap-time hours to write articles about literature and history—subjects she was passionate about. She published them on a free online platform, unknowingly building an impressive portfolio. Just a few weeks later, the right person came across her work and hired her for her first ghostwriting job. Soon after, she was on a flight to Los Angeles to meet a high-profile client.
That single opportunity led to a chain reaction of word-of-mouth referrals, and before she knew it, she had established herself as a professional in the publishing industry. But it wasn’t until 2019 that she saw the need to merge her two worlds—publishing and the military community.
Founding the Military Editor Agency
While working in the publishing industry, Brunella realized that military stories were vastly underrepresented. She saw an opportunity to help service members and veterans tell their powerful stories while also educating them on the often-misunderstood publishing industry. Thus, the Military Editor Agency was born.
Her boutique agency caters exclusively to military authors and military-related manuscripts. Through this platform, she helps veterans and military families translate their stories in a way that appeals to both military and civilian audiences.
One of the biggest hurdles she faced was convincing major publishers that military stories had a broad appeal. Many believed that because the military comprises only 1% of the population, these books would have a limited readership. Brunella was determined to prove them wrong.
“I have knocked on so many publishers' doors trying to advocate for the importance of military stories. Many assumed that only military personnel would read these books, but that’s so far from the truth. Every story I work on is different, and I help my authors shape their narratives so that they resonate with all audiences.”
Her persistence paid off, and today, the Military Editor Agency stands as a bridge between the military community and the literary world.
The Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship
When asked about the best and worst parts of her entrepreneurial journey, Brunella had clear insights.
The Best Part:
“The best part is meeting my clients and helping them tell their stories. There is such power in sharing your story, and seeing it take on a life of its own can be healing and transformative. Every story I work on gifts me something new, and I am changed for the better with every author I work with.”
She also emphasized the importance of quality over quantity. She is selective with the projects she takes on, ensuring that the editor-author relationship is based on mutual trust and respect.
The Worst Part:
“Not being able to get to where I want at a fast pace. I’m a go-getter, and having doors shut in my face has been tough, especially when all I’m trying to do is help military authors.”
Despite these setbacks, Brunella remains committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that military voices are heard.
The Military Editor Agency: How to Get Involved
For aspiring authors within the military community, the Military Editor Agency offers a range of services, including:
Ghostwriting and editing
Developmental and line editing
Proofreading
Book proposal and query letter assistance
Guidance on finding the right publisher
Brunella also actively hires junior ghostwriters, many of whom are military children or active-duty service members with a passion for writing. Her agency not only serves the military community but is also made up of military-connected individuals.
If you’re interested in working with Brunella, you can reach out through:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.themilitaryeditor.com
Final Thoughts
Brunella's journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling. What started as a moment of despair turned into a thriving career and a business that now helps others navigate their own publishing journeys. Her story is a reminder that challenges can often lead to unexpected opportunities, and with the right mindset, setbacks can become stepping stones.
For veterans, military spouses, and service members looking to share their stories, the Military Editor Agency is a valuable resource. If you’ve ever dreamed of publishing a book but felt lost in the process, Brunella and her team are here to guide you.
Be sure to follow VET S.O.S. on all your favorite podcast platforms and social media to hear more inspiring stories like this one. And remember: Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!
