“If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.”—Toni Morrison
Writer Bio
Chelene Knight is the author of Braided Skin, the memoir Dear Current Occupant, winner of the 2018 Vancouver Book Award, and long-listed for the George Ryga Award for Social Awareness in Literature, and her novel, Junie, long-listed for the inaugural Carol Shields Fiction Prize and finalist for the Ferro-Grumley Prize for LGBTQ fiction. Her book of narrative nonfiction, Let It Go is forthcoming with HarperCollins Canada in 2024.
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
I'm here to help you take your manuscript to the next draft! Before reaching out, please ensure you are ready for an editor. I specialize in developmental editing (the big picture stuff), so if you're looking for copy editing or proofreading, my services might not be the right fit.
Your manuscript should be complete, and you should have workshopped it (at least some parts) with a mentor or other writers, receiving some feedback. Additionally, it's important to have a sense of your own strengths and weaknesses in your writing. This way, we can effectively harness your writerly superpowers (yes, they exist!).
I work with publishers
If you're a publisher with a newly acquired manuscript and wish to hire me on a freelance basis to work with a specific author, please fill out my brief form to initiate the booking process. Once I've reviewed your responses and have a clear understanding of the project and the writer, I'll get in touch with the next steps. Together, we'll agree on a start date, establish a process, and confirm a fee.
As a publisher, once you've completed my form for the first time, you'll be added to my roster. For future projects, we can correspond directly via email, eliminating the need to fill out the form again. If you are a returning publisher, please email me at cheleneknight[at]breathingspacecreative.com
Understanding the Essence of Developmental Editing
Let's demystify the role of developmental editing, as it often gets confused with other publishing tasks. To start, it's crucial to clarify what developmental editing isn't:
Developmental editing doesn't involve fixing spelling, grammar, or punctuation; those tasks are reserved for copy editors, which is distinct work altogether.
Revision, on the other hand, is where the true art of writing unfolds. This is where writers begin to mold their projects into shape.
As your developmental editor, my role is to delve into your work's concepts, its flow, and the unfolding narrative. I'll raise questions about your book's essence, its connection to the broader world, and scrutinize its structure, pacing, and characters (yes, even in memoirs). This is deep, immersive work, and it relies on clear communication.
This work is inherently subjective, yet I'll provide you with a formula for incorporating feedback.
The editor-author relationship can take various forms depending on your stage in the publishing process. Nonetheless, it should always be a collaborative, cooperative partnership.
When you engage me as your developmental editor, my primary task is to offer you an overview of how your project currently reads, pinpoint areas for improvement, and suggest avenues for change. Essentially, I provide you with a roadmap for revising your work with clarity. However, I don't make changes for you, as that would constitute rewriting, and we must tread carefully on that fine line.
I prioritize tone and presentation when delivering feedback, experimenting with asynchronous communication methods. Alongside your formal editorial letter, I might create a Loom video walkthrough of the feedback. You'll also have the opportunity to pose up to five additional questions related to the feedback or even inquire about publishing. Upon receiving these questions, you'll receive a second video reply.
Determining when your project is ready for a publisher's scrutiny hinges on your revision process. There are no guarantees here, and revision often demands multiple rounds. Embracing this iterative process is crucial.
If your work catches the eye of a publisher, the entire editorial and revision process repeats, this time with an editor from the publishing house. I mention this to underscore that there are no shortcuts in this journey, especially in traditional publishing. We can explore this in greater depth through a brief call if your project aligns.
Editors approach their work uniquely, as it's inherently subjective, and trust plays a pivotal role.
Taking a holistic approach to writing, editing, and coaching, I provide resources on author care and building intentional processes to foster a healthier, more balanced relationship with your writing practice.
“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” — Langston Hughes
It’s more than just editing …
“I truly practiced embodying the feelings and thoughts of: not rushing, there is no deadline, this project will grow at the sustainable pace it needs, I got this, I can trust my instincts and process. Also, Chelene nudged me to embrace outlining a novel in a way that works for me and her way of asking why and how and what if is empowering, challenging, and supportive. I've somehow reached another level of enjoyment with my writing, and I know that my novel is infinitely better because of the work I've done with Chelene. Whether my novel gets published or not is no longer a primary concern for me but more of a: okay, that's cool. :) Also, seeing how Chelene has protected and cultivated a healthy writer space in her life is utterly inspiring.” —ViNa Nguyen, writerfluid.com
“I had the good fortune of having Chelene Knight as my first (and only) poetry advisor. She was patient, wise, encouraging, and firm, all when they were needed and always appreciated. All poets and writers should be this lucky.“ — Stephen Grant, Client
*Fun fact: after working with Chelene, Stephen got his first magazine publication, and more than a handful of publications followed.
“Chelene’s holistic approach was exactly what I needed to bring my manuscript to the next stage. The way she delivers feedback allows for the time and space to process notes in a way that allows for the work to reach its full potential– I didn’t feel pressured or rushed to make changes but Chelene’s feedback allowed me to fully see how my work was landing at this stage and how to bring it closer to its intention.” — Franz Seachel
“Chelene’s editorial feedback is radical in a surprisingly gentle way. Through reflective questions and invitational suggestions, she is able to guide the writing and the writer to the next best place. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by feedback or hurt by criticism, you will be blown away by the possibility that editorial feedback can feel empowering and energizing. Chelene revolutionized the way I see editorial feedback and can’t thank her enough.“ — Rayya Liebich
“I have always admired Chelene for her skill as a writer as well as her consummate professionalism and straightforward communication style. This was why her name was the first to come to mind when I was looking for another set of eyes on my memoir manuscript. As a beta reader, Chelene is thoughtful, sensitive and approachable. You can really tell she understands what it’s like to share work in progress. She made sure to follow up with enthusiasm as she was reading my manuscript, and even finished a little ahead of schedule! Her feedback was extensive and incisive. I so appreciated her in-depth knowledge of the publishing industry, her recommendations of other books for inspiration, and the opportunity to ask follow-up questions.” — Erika Thorkelson
“Chelene’s editorial feedback was positive and affirming. Her creative, insightful, and sensitive comments inspired me to see my manuscript from different angles and recognize the scope of its potential.“ — Joanne Betzler
