Editor Bio

Chelene Knight has worked with writers in all phases of the visioning, drafting, and revision process. Although she has developed a unique approach to fiction and nonfiction, she specializes in poetry. Chelene has worked with a variety of award-winning writers including Chantal Gibson, Carol Rose GoldenEagle, and Rina Singh. She has years of experience working as a literary agent, a creative writing professor, and as a managing editor of one of Canada’s top literary magazines. Chelene runs her own literary studio, Breathing Space Creative.

My Editorial Style

I love looking at what makes a book stand out from the pack. When it comes to reimagining the shape and structure for your book, you’ve come to the right person. But of course, there are so many fabulous editors in North America so it’s important to know what you, the writer, want from this editorial process. What’s important to you? The author-editor relationship can play a huge role in not only the final outcome of your book, but how you feel about yourself as a writer. I work closely via the lens of the empathetic editor. I ask questions about your dreams and goals so that we can reshape your book in a way that feels right for you. During our initial call I will ask you about your dreams for the book. I will ask you about your why. Together, we will move one big step closer to that breath-taking final draft because to me, that’s what editing is—it’s a bridge to that next draft.

As a writer myself, I am well aware of the anxiety that can be attached to sharing an early draft and so I move through my unique editing process from a place of love and empathy. I’ve had some of the most magical experiences working with editors and some not so good ones, but they all hold value. 

I work as a coach and because of this, I am also bold in my suggestions for reshaping and restructuring your book. I keep a close grip on your “why” and use this as a pillar for suggesting editorial changes. As a writer, editor, and author care specialist I’ve worked with small, mid-size, and large trade publishers. I am so grateful for my experiences with Book*hug Press, House of Anansi, Inanna Press, Greystone Books, and HarperCollins Canada to name a few. These relationships and experiences inform my editorial processes too because they are all connected to branches on the same tree (the tree being me). Our experiences hold immense value. Our experiences, values, and beliefs inform our writerly voice. Oof, I’m getting deep!

When you work with me you will receive added support (because that’s just how I roll and I believe in calling in a holistic way of editing). All editorial clients will receive three months' access to the Forever Writers Club so that you can strengthen your mindset, your community connections, and your sense of self.

IMPORTANT: Before considering collaboration with me to refine the structure of your manuscript, it's crucial to emphasize that the editing phase isn't intended for teaching craft. If you're still honing your writing skills or seeking a deeper exploration of craft, you might find a one-on-one mentorship with me to be a better fit.

I work with individuals

If you are a writer who doesn’t yet have a publisher, I’d love to help you get your manuscript to the next draft! Before reaching out, please be sure you are clear about whether or not you are ready for an editor.  I only offer developmental editing (the big picture stuff) so if you are seeking copy editing or proofreading, my services will not be a fit. Your manuscript should be complete, and you should have workshopped it (at least some of it) with a mentor or other writers. Aka you should have already received some feedback at this point. You should also have an idea of your own strengths and weaknesses as it relates to your writing so that we know how to call in your writerly superpowers (it’s a thing, trust me!)

I work with publishers

If you are a publisher who has acquired a manuscript and you’d like to hire me on a freelance basis to work with a specific author, you can fill out my brief form to start the booking process. Once I read through your answers and have a good understanding of the project and the writer, I’ll be in touch with next steps so that we can agree on a start date, build out a process, and confirm a fee. As a publisher, once you’ve filled out my form for the first time, you’ll be added to my roster and we can correspond about future projects directly through email. In other words, you only ever have to fill the form out once : ) If you are a returning publisher, please email me at cheleneknight[at]breathingspacecreative.com