K.S. Nightingale (Kai)

@ksnightingale

I write and edit novels. Book editing services: Books, anime, manga, cozy gaming, hockey. LGBTQ+ friendly! 🇨🇦🍁 30+ she/her

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K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jul 13

Two for Slashing CW - swearing, blood, throw up. Context: someone just got slashed, Finn found them. Jude has taken Finn back to the hotel room to clean Finn up. Anything more than this passage is a spoiler and I'm trying SO HARD to hide who the victims are. 😹

“Can I do anything else?” Adam asked.
“I don’t know yet,” Jude said. “Finn, do you want a glass of water or something?”
Finn shook his head.
“Okay, we need to get you cleaned up,” Jude said. “Do you want a shower?”
Finn shook his head.
“Can we at least get you out of these clothes and into a clean robe?” Jude pressed.
Finn nodded.
“Okay, come on, stand up,” Jude encouraged, helping Finn to his feet and out of the robe. Finn was wearing a hoodie and jeans, and Jude carefully helped him out of the bloodied shirt. Adam’s eyes went wide but he didn’t say anything as Jude carefully folded the shirt inside out to try and keep the blood from getting anywhere else and put it on the floor. Finn took the opportunity to push past Jude and hurry across the bathroom to the toilet, where he immediately puked.
“Aw, fuck,” Adam said simply, reaching down to rub Finn’s back. “You’re okay, kid.”
Jude sighed. “Come on, give him a minute.”
Adam followed Jude back into the room where Noah was waiting.

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jul 10

A5: share your joys. And your wins. I think we could all use a little extra positivity right now. Especially if your joys include pets... cat tax included. (His name is Roman, he was a stray and now he's a spoiled prince.)

A black cat with big green eyes looking up at the camera from a low angle.

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jul 9

Using "keeping" for this one from Two for Slashing. For context: Jude is about to go and meet the slasher for the final showdown. They just got back to Finn's room after being chased out of Jude's room, and they just got their luggage back, hence Adam looking for clothes. #WIPSnips

“If it doesn’t work, we’ll get you somewhere safer,” the detective promised. “No more bloodshed.”

Jude nodded, keeping his face carefully blank. “Appreciate that.”

“So you’ll just head down there at five?”

“Yeah,” Jude agreed. “I’ll be a few minutes early.”

The detective looked at Adam, expectantly.

“I will be here, with Finn, watching a movie and pretending like Jude isn’t risking his life to stop a serial killer.”

“Perfect.”

Adam snorted a laugh and Jude patted his shoulder.

“Thank you,” Jude said. “I’ll see you in an hour or so.”

They went back into their room and locked the door. Adam went for his suitcase immediately, rummaging for a change of clothes. He looked up at Jude.
“Are you gonna dress up for your date?”

Jude huffed a laugh. “Yeah, might as well look good for my funeral.”

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jul 8

No quarter, and only one instance of a hockey period, so I guess that's what we're going with! This is right before the Donnybrook (a Donnybrook is slang for a HUGE fight in hockey, btw.) in Two for Slashing. #WIPSnips CW for swearing and threatening violence.

“I mean it,” Adam snarled. “Touch Finn again and you’re fucking dead.”
“Oh yeah? You going to stop me?”
“I will fucking make you regret it.”
The ref’s whistle was shrill and constant as they tried to break up the shoving, shouting match between Adam and the Europeans.
“I mean it, you fucking pigeon!” Adam screamed. “You’re fucking dead. Open casket won’t be a fucking option for your funeral when I’m fucking done with you! Keep your fucking hands off of Finn!”
“Adam, shut the fuck up,” the referee hissed. “You want a game misconduct?”
“Do you think I fucking care?” Adam asked. “Where the fuck have you been? No interference calls for two whole periods and Finn is getting his shit rocked left and right.”
“Are you finished?”
Adam grunted and let the referee guide him away from the other player. “Fucking pigeon.”
“One more outburst and you’re gone, Adam.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Get your fucking eyes checked,” Adam muttered as the referee left him standing on the ice looking like a chastised child. Finn skated over to tap Adam’s shins gently with his stick as a sign of appreciation.

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jul 5

Shall we get acquainted? I actually don't mind this one cuz it's not gonna dox me or something. 😹

Shall we get acquainted?
About me
Extrovert heavily circled
Night owl
Breakfast/dinner in the middle
Coffee/tea the line is right next to teas
Autumn/summer - autumn is circled
Dogs:cats is directly in the middle (I am a dog person, but appreciate cats.)
Sports/walks the line is next to walks
Active rest/staying at home - staying at home is circled
Sea/mountains, the line is in the middle
House/apartment, house is preferred.

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jul 5

I'm pretty sure I've used quite a bit from the All-Star game scene, and the other instance is spoiler-y, so here's a bit of the aftermath from the game in Two for Slashing. This is after the big Donnybrook I teased with the "penalty" prompt. #WIPSnips

Adam was still pissed off in the locker room. Finn was sitting on the bench in his cubby, hunched over and exhausted. He didn’t feel good, between the hangover, the exertion from the game, and getting tackled what felt like a hundred times, he was surprised that he was even able to sit upright. He didn’t feel like celebrating, and even though he’d scored the game-winning goal, he didn’t want to talk to anyone. It certainly hadn’t been the same kind of celebration for him as it had been at the skills competition. No one wanted to get near him in case Adam was still out for blood.

Jude sat down next to Finn, leaning his elbows on his knees as he watched Adam shouting at some of the other players. Lucas was still in the showers. Jude was dressed in his street clothes; a buttoned shirt under a solid navy sweater and matching navy slacks. Finn was dressed, too, in jeans and a collared shirt. He’d worn a sherpa-lined suede jacket that Ollie had bought him that he’d put on when they left, and he wasn’t really looking forward to getting on the bus to get back to the hotel.

“Congratulations on winning the game,” Jude said brightly.

“Thanks, I guess,” Finn mumbled.

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jul 5

Okay. This is the only scene I could share from Two for Slashing that wasn't 100% a spoiler. It's maybe not the most epic, but it's definitely monumental. #SummerofStories

Finn opened his mouth to say something but a knock on the door interrupted. Panic washed over him and he felt his blood run cold. They made sure that Jude didn’t have a keycard to keep the killer from getting in the room, just in case, and they didn’t order room service. Adam shuffled hesitantly toward the door.

“I can hear you fucking around. Let me in.”
It was Jude.

“Why?” Adam asked. “You’re supposed to be downstairs.”

“I forgot my phone.”

“Oh for fuck’s sake,” Adam growled as he opened the door. “Why the fuck do you need your phone?”

Adam’s complaints were cut short as a strangled yelp escaped him. It wasn’t Jude standing in the hallway. The killer, however, was there. Without hesitation, he threw a rabbit punch directly into Adam’s face. There was a crunch, and Adam staggered backward into the room, the killer pocketing the phone in his other hand as he did, producing his Bowie knife, the same one that he’d used on Noah. Finn was on his feet with a yell and the killer’s masked face whipped around to stare at him, knife pointing at Adam. He kicked Adam’s knee out, making him drop to the ground, blood pouring from his broken nose as he tried to get his composure.

“One more step and Adam dies.”

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jul 5

I got a temporary tattoo yesterday and now I kind of want to get it for real lol.

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jul 4

Look at this thing. The coffee is the best cup of coffee I think I've ever had wtf.

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jul 4

Drama going on that I'm not involved in but am somehow getting pulled into and then I'm an asshole for not caring because it's not my drama nor is it my problem.

An illustration of a wizard standing by a glowing stone with the caption "various things are occurring"

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jul 2

There are so many instances of "knock" in Two for Slashing since they're in a hotel and they knock on each other's doors... So let's go with something a little more action-filled that cuts off right before the big spoiler... #WIPSnips

Noah sat on the bed with Jude, shaking his head as Adam and Finn’s pillow fight devolved into a full on wrestling match. Adam had Finn in a headlock and was demanding an apology, which Finn was resolutely denying him.

Jude was laughing and Noah was egging Adam on as he got up to answer the knock on the door.

“Guys chill out, food is here,” Noah said, grabbing the cash off of the counter as he passed.

Adam grunted and let Finn go, giving him one last swat on the arm for good measure. Finn was red in the face, his hair was messed up, and he was laughing.
Noah opened the door.

“What the fuck?”

A man, wearing all black, with some kind of modified paintball mask was standing in the hallway. In his hand was a large knife.

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jul 1

In. Two for Slashing, I don't have scarf like what you wear so I'm going with scarf as in to eat something and I'm using "stuff our faces." For context, Lucas just accused Finn of murder at the breakfast table, and Adam is angry, so they're going to order room service. #WIPSnips

Finn frowned and put his brownie on the bed, his appetite leaving as he listened to Noah’s side of the conversation.

“Yes, bring Ollie. Finn said he’s Sergei’s neighbour, he doesn’t need that shit either.” Noah rolled his eyes as he listened to Jude. “They can’t do anything? Then what the hell is the point of them? What? No proof? Oh, for fuck’s sake. Well, then can we get Lucas arrested for assault?”

Adam laughed. “I will happily take an assault charge if I can break his face and get him charged, too.”

Noah glared at Adam. “Adam is just being a Shirtbird, don’t worry about it. If that’s all they’re going to say, then there’s nothing else we can do until your stalker escalates, right? Come upstairs, bring Ollie, we’re going to stuff our faces with bacon and waffles and drink until Finn goes blind, which is probably only going to be like three shots, but what else are we going to do?” He paused to listen to Jude. “Okay, see you in a minute.” He hung up the phone and shoved it back in the pocket of his jeans, shaking his head. “Cops aren’t helping. It’s the same thing they said before, they can’t do much with just a text message. Ollie is now… sort of aware of what’s going on.”

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jun 30

No tournament in Two for Slashing but they're at the Skills Competition. In this scene the competition is just over and Adam and Noah have realized that SOMETHING isn't right and Jude has been hiding it from them. #WIPSnips

“What’s going on?” Noah demanded. “And don’t feed us that bullshit about your doctor needing to go over test results.”

“Wait, was that really bullshit?” Adam asked.

“Obviously,” Noah said. “Do you really not pay attention to anything going on around you?”

Adam shrugged. “When has Jude ever lied to us?”

“Okay, guys, shut up,” Jude hissed. “I can’t really talk about it publicly, but yeah, it’s not good. Can we meet in my room after the pool party and I’ll fill you in?”

“Can it wait that long?” Noah asked.

Jude nodded. “I’ve already started the process of dealing with it, as much as I can anyway, so yeah, I think it can wait until after the pool party.”

Adam and Noah exchanged glances, neither were really sure what was going on, but they both knew that it wasn’t good.

“I just want this event to go as smoothly as possible,” Jude said. “And so far, it’s not.”

“You kicked everyone’s ass at the skills competition,” Adam pointed out. “And Finn is having the time of his life. I think you’re doing an all right job.”

Jude sighed heavily. “Thanks. Okay guys, let’s go shower and get dressed, I need to go and help Sergei get things set up.”

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jun 29

Here's a #WIPSnips from Two for Slashing. Everyone got drunk after finding out about the first murder. I need to go back and capitalize Diet Coke and Gatorade, apparently lol.

When everyone had slept off the worst of their drunkenness, they reconvened in Noah’s room. Jude had called for pizza from outside the hotel and had gone down to the lobby to get it. Everyone else was drinking diet coke and gatorade.

“Aw, fuck,” Adam groaned. “I didn’t mean to get that drunk.”

“Do you feel better though?” Finn asked from where he was seated on the floor, his back against the back of the couch where Adam was still sprawled out with his arm over his face.

“Emotionally? Maybe.”

Ollie was the only one who didn’t seem to be suffering, much to everyone else’s annoyance.

“How are you smiling like that?” Noah asked.

“I drink vodka like water,” Ollie replied. “You guys are lightweights.”

“You sound like Sergei.”

“Who do you think I drink vodka like water with?” Ollie asked.

“Other Swedes?” Noah asked.

“That too.”

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jun 29

Hi! I'm K.S. Nightingale. I am a freelance editor with open bookings! Get to know me in the images below! I'm ready to be your new book bestie and favourite editor! Want to know more? DM me or email me at KaijuKiriyama@gmail.com ko-fi.com/Nightingale_... #booksky #writingcommunity #editor

A fancy background of mystical hands, moons, and stars with the following written in the foreground, framed by a diamond:
Hi! I'm Kai!
I am an author and freelance editor. I've been editing books since 2013. I really, truly, genuinely love books of all genres, which is why I started writing and editing.

I read a LOT, across genres, and like manga and anime.

This is my introduction to be your new book bestie and your next favourite editor.

A mystical background of celestial bodies with a cream-coloured center square with the following text:

Why Choose Me?
I have been editing since 2013 and writing since 2002.
I use the Chicago Manual of Style to inform my editing choices.
I work WITH you to maintain the integrity of your book, you vision, you style, and your voice.
I am affordable for indie authors, with a flat rate, no markup, and am willing to work in your budget.
I offer a sample edit to make sure we gel.
Absolutely no AI use, and I won't edit AI-generated work.
Bookings are always open!

A mystical background of golden celestial bodies, clouds, stars, and constellations with an arched window and the following text:
Get to know me
I am a book-loving, witchy vibes, cozy gaming, anime-watching, hockey-loving Canadian girl.
My favourite author is Terry Pratchett.
My favourite manga is Way of the Househusband.
My favourite Big-3 anime is Bleach.
I collect crystals and norebooks.
I'm working on writing in my notebooks for real.
I mostly read eBooks because of space constraints.
I like autumn the best.
I really enjoy Hallmark Christmas movies.

A 5-panel grid with the book covers for The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, A Magic Steeped in Poison, Temple of Swoon, Water Moon, and the center panel has a photo of my manga collection, including Spy x Family, Sakamoto Days, The Way of the Househusband, A Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting, I'm the Villainess so I'm Taming the Final Boss and Witch Hat Atelier.

Text reads: Some of my faves!
Bottom Text reads: Have you read them?

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jun 29

With the tropes/vibe posts you can go into detail on the caption and include a direct link. Make sure you do. Here's an example I made for Liminal by Raphael Ness.

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jun 28

I don't have "sensational" in Two for Slashing, so I chose a scene where Lucas is singing Jude's praises about how influential and how good of a player he is. Contextually, Lucas is a team captain, like Jude. Jude is hungover. They're at a mixer for fans/players. I went for vibes here. #WIPSnips

Lucas shook his head. “Between you and me, I find it hard to wrangle my own team sometimes. Like I want them to be so much better, to live up to the potential I see in them, but they just… aren’t dedicated.”

“I think that’s awfully harsh,” Jude said.

“Why?”

“They work as hard as you do, Lucas. Everyone in this league does. And you get back what you put in. If your expectations are so high for your team, then you need to have the same expectations for yourself.”

“Do you really believe that?” Lucas asked. “You’re heads and shoulders above the rest of your team. You skate circles around them. You outshine them in every aspect, every facet. You’ve carried them for years, and you think that they work anywhere near as hard as you do?”

“I know they do,” Jude said flatly. “I work with them. I train with them. We go out to eat together. Not every day is a good day. Not every game is a good game. We celebrate the wins together and mourn the losses together. No one gets blamed for a bad game. We reset, we learn, and we move forward. Together.”

“And when they don’t learn?”

Jude huffed a laugh and stared at the ceiling. “Well, then I usually tell the coaching staff to get their shit together.”

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jun 28

This one from Two for Slashing will never get edited because Sergei is Russian, has bad English (intentionally based off of specific NHLers) and is drunk. Everyone who's read it says it stuck with them. The whole scene is probably staying as is, tbh. But it's spoilers to explain. #JuneJottings

Sergei nodded. “I will do my best. I like him.” He reached over to pat Jude’s shoulder. “I like you too. I would not be here if you weren’t here.”

“What do you mean?” Jude asked. “You kick my ass on every level. You’re a far better player than I am.”

“Because I would not be as good as I am if you were not as good as you am.”

Jude grinned, chuckling quietly. “I don’t think that’s true, but I appreciate you saying so.”

“You and me, we will go out of this together. When we are old. One last season and then we go to Disneyland.”

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jun 26

I didn't have "fox" so I went with "clever"! #WIPSnips June 26 This is Two for Slashing. CW for swearing a death/murder mention. Jude is having a mental breakdown after a close friend just got slashed. He's meeting the killer the next day, Adam has passed out, and Finn is trying to help.

“Do you want me to come with you tomorrow?”

Jude hesitated as he thought about it. He admittedly didn’t want to face the killer alone. “No, I think it would be better if you stayed here, tucked away and safe.”

“What if something happens to you?” Finn asked, his voice pitching upward in worry.

“That’s the point though isn’t it?” Jude asked. “This asshole wants my attention. I don’t expect that he’s going to let me live after he’s killed four people just to get my fucking attention.”

“You don’t think the cops will protect you?”

Jude shrugged. “I’m hoping they will, but this guy… he’s too clever. Who the fuck is he? What did I do to him? I’ve never been in a car crash that killed someone. I’ve never been a drunk driver. I don’t think I’ve ever stolen someone’s girlfriend or caused a marriage to break up, at least not intentionally. I didn’t buy land that wasn’t already developed. I don’t understand what I did.” Jude’s voice cracked on his last sentence and he broke down in tears, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs as he tried not to wake Adam.

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jun 26

Without downloading new pics what's it like dating you? I had to do 4 because.

When you're 100% done with this week and it's only Tuesday with a picture of Dean Winchester face palming

A pretty lady looking smug with the caption [gives no fucks in Spanish]

It's funny because I am learning Spanish.

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jun 24

Spent an hour rendering the skates 😹😹 They're a little wonky but again, I'm not an artist. And the title will cover them I think. Anyway. Progress is progress!

A photo (not screenshot) of a work in progress digital painting of two men in blue Hockey gear sitting on a bench. It will be a book cover when it's done. It is illustrating the progress I've made. In this case, I got the skates painted and rendered.

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jun 23

I use penalty (box)! Here's the end of my favourite scene in Two for Slashing! This is the end of the scene where an entire Donnybrook breaks out on the ice and in my head the fight scene is where Satisfaction by Benny Benassi would play if this was a show, filmed like Shoresy. 🥰 #WIPSnips

Jude patted the bench and Finn took the invitation to climb over the wall and sit. The referees were still trying to untangle Adam from his opponent, and Noah was happily in the penalty box, egging Adam on.
“I’m going to kill them,” Lucas muttered.
Jude patted his shoulder. “They’re just doing what they said they were going to do.”
“It’s unprofessional,” Lucas muttered.
Jude shrugged. “It is what it is. They’ll take their fines as badges of honour because to them, they’re doing the right thing and protecting Finn.”
Lucas shook his head as the referees finally got Adam to sit in the penalty box with Noah while they tried to sort things out. The rest of the team on the bench slapped the boards with their sticks, a congratulations of sorts over the fight. Coach Laurent was still losing his mind, except he was screaming in French now and no one could understand his Quebecois accent except the word tabarnak.
The game was delayed by another ten minutes while they sorted out who was going to get what punishment, which meant Finn could finally get to sit a little longer than he would have otherwise

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jun 23

So close to being done this cover. I'm so tired of looking at it lol. It will not be done tonight, but maybe tomorrow. Idk. The cover reveal will be fun. 😹

A phone photo of an in-progress digital painting of two faceless men sitting in a locker room dressed in blue hockey hear.

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jun 19

This is probably one of the first snips of Two for Slashing I've shared? CW for swearing and stalker mention. The first death has happened, police said the murderer might be wounded. Ollie is Finn's teammate/bestie and new to the Jude/Noah/Adam group. #WIPSnips

"Wasn't expecting a show," Adam said with a smirk.

Ollie flipped him off as he pulled his clothes back on. "Better to be safe than sorry," he replied with a nonchalant shrug. "Not like we aren't all professionals here."

"You didn't really think it was Ollie, did you?" Finn asked.

"No," Jude said. "But I appreciate that you're willing to indulge us like that."

"Do you have any idea who it is?" Ollie asked, picking up his plate and drink, as if he hadn't just been asked to prove that he wasn't a murderer by stripping. "Or is this something completely out of the blue?"

"No clue," Jude said. "Never caught the first guy, either."

"Huh, that sucks."

"I love this guy," Adam said with his mouth full. "No fucks given. Ollie, you're part of the group forever now."

"I appreciate that," Ollie said. "Is this all you guys have to work with? A previous encounter with a stalker who I assume escalated to the point of what? Stealing your shit?"

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jun 4

"Time to ruin my line art with colour!" I'm actually kind of impressed and pleasantly surprised at how this is looking so far. Not bad for mouse and keyboard and Krita. This is for Kali Valentine's upcoming novel.

Progress of my cover art WIP of two male hockey players sitting together on the bench in a dressing room. They have no faces and the legs and skates are not coloured in.

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· Jun 3

I'm genuinely impressed that you can tell what the line art is supposed to be 😹😹 Not bad for someone who can't draw! Now to add more blobs of colour and blend the fuck out of it.

Line art of two hockey players sitting next to each other on the bench, knees almost touching. A WIP of cover art for a book.

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· May 30

I got a whole cheesecake for my birthday. Gonna eat it and cry.

A double layered chocolate cheesecake with regular cheesecake underneath the chocolate layer with a bite taken out of it

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· May 24

Hi new friends! I'm K.S. but you can call me Kai. I'm an author and freelance editor (I also play cozy games on occasion!) I'm actively seeking clients and you should get me to edit your book! Please share! #booksky #writingcommunity #editing ko-fi.com/Nightingale_...

Why work with Nightingale Book Services?
I have been a professional freelance editor since 2013 and have worked on over 2 dozen titles.
I mainly use the Chicago Manual of Stule to dictate things like punctuation placement.
I leave thorough notes throughout the work, telling you what I like, and why I make changes, ultimately leaving these decisions up to you.
I maintain the soul of your story, and your writing style, to ensure your vision comes to life.
I read extensively, across genres and genuinely love books.

Questions email me at kaijukiriyama at gmail dot com

Open and available editing bookings:
June 2026
Developmental edits, 2 slots available for June 1 start.
Copy or Line edits, 3 open spots for June 1 start.

July 2026
Developmental edits, 2 slots available for July 1 start.
Copy or line edits, 3 open spots for July 1 start.

Turnaround is typically 1-2 weeks, depending on length of the book. Open to all genres except children's, MG, or picture books.

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· May 22

How can I convince you to hire me to edit your book? - 10+ years of experience - use of the Chicago Manual of Style - thorough notes about what I like/why I change things - budget-friendly - quick turnaround - work WITH you and ask Qs 🤍 #editor #booksky #writingcommunity ko-fi.com/nightingale_...

K.S. Nightingale (Kai)@ksnightingale· May 18

Taking #editing bookings for June and July. 2 developmental spaces available, 3 copy/line edits available. All genres welcome. I do not use AI. I am happy to offer a sample chapter edit to ensure we gel. Questions? DM or email kaijukiriyama@gmail.com #writingcommunity 💙📚 ko-fi.com/Nightingale_...