I’m Daphne Gordon
I’m based in Toronto. I write and edit articles, arts reviews, and web content. I also coach writers through books and other projects.
What I do
I help writers and organizations write stories that people actually want to read.
For a decade, I was a reporter and editor at the Toronto Star, covering arts, lifestyle, and culture. Earlier in my career, I covered city hall and education at the Cobourg Daily Star, and edited news at The Canadian Press. Journalism was my training ground. It taught me to ask good questions, and to be accurate, clear, and useful to the reader.
Today, I write articles, reviews, essays, and website content for individuals, media outlets, and organizations. I also provide editorial coaching to writers, helping them develop their voice, strengthen their work, and stay with their projects over time.
I’m based in Toronto, and collaborate online with clients and colleagues across Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Writing
I write stories that inform and engage.
I can write on a wide range of subjects for a mainstream audience. I’m especially good at expressing complex ideas in simple, human-centric language. My process often involves interviewing experts, conducting independent research, and tuning in to what an audience needs and expects.
Whether ghostwriting for a business leader or creating blog posts for a retail shop, my work always begins with deep listening. I bring the story into focus, clarifying what matters most and developing a story that helps strengthen my client’s voice or brand.
“Daphne produced a brilliant story,” said editor Margaret Webb
Recent projects have included:
☀️ Brand and website copy for a heritage candy shop
☀️ Theatre reviews for a digital publication
☀️ Newsletters for a small-town clothing shop
☀️ Educational web content for a not-for-profit organization
My writing is grounded in original reporting, careful sourcing, creative thinking, and a strong sense of voice. When I use AI, I do so selectively and transparently.
Sometimes deadlines are tight, and I’m comfortable working at a fast pace. I bring experience and professionalism to the work, no matter the timeline.
Knowing it’s the right fit often requires a conversation. If you think we might work well together, I’d be glad to connect.
Editing
I help good writing become clear, polished, and ready for readers.
Editing is where my career began. At Canadian Press, I edited news on tight deadlines, and at the Toronto Star I edited arts, lifestyle, and culture coverage for weekly feature sections. That training taught me to respect a writer’s voice while making sure every sentence earns its place.
I edit books, articles, newsletters, reports, and website copy. Depending on what your project needs, I can look at the big picture to consider structure, provide a line edit for clarity, rhythm, and tone, or copy edit for grammar, consistency, and style. I work in CP style or your house style, and I can create a style sheet to keep a long project or a whole team consistent.
Recent projects have included:
☀️ Recipe editing and style guide for a cookbook
☀️ Website build and copy edit for a psychotherapy practice
☀️ Short personal stories by older adults for a community arts project
I pay close attention to the details, checking names, numbers, and inportant facts. I also explain my changes, so you always understand them and stay in charge of your work.
Not sure what kind of editing you need? That’s a great question for a free 15-minute call.
Coaching
I work one-on-one with writers to help them achieve their publishing goals.
My approach combines attentive listening and practical guidance. Together, we set clear writing goals and build a writing practice you can sustain over time — so you can move forward with clarity and momentum.
“I could not have written my book without Daphne’s coaching,” said author Janet Morrison
As a self-published author with a strong understanding of traditional, hybrid, and independent publishing models, I can also help you choose a path and make a realistic plan for publication.
I work with writers who are ready to commit to a three-month coaching cycle. A focused season is enough to build momentum, sharpen skills, and create real accountability. Sustained attention over an entire season can make a big difference in your writing life. I’ll be there to help you keep going, even when it feels hard.
We meet weekly on video calls, and I provide ongoing editorial feedback and deadlines. With steady attention to both your goals and your process, you’ll see real progress — often with more enjoyment along the way.
Recent clients have included:
☀️ A psychologist writing a book on children’s mental health
☀️ A business leader working on a professional memoir
☀️ A mid-career professional using LinkedIn to find a new role
☀️ A writer working on a novel alongside a law career
My approach to editorial coaching is practical, collaborative, and individualized. We’ll start wherever you are, building on what’s working and strengthening areas that need support.
I work with writers across fiction and non-fiction. In non-fiction, my background in journalism is especially useful in shaping structure, clarity, and narrative focus.
The right fit often becomes clear in conversation. If you think we might work well together, I’d be glad to connect.
Contact me
Let’s chat about your project.
Not sure whether you need a writer, an editor, a ghostwriter, or a coach? That’s okay. Many of my clients don’t know exactly what they need. We can figure it out together.
Email me to set up a free 15-minute call. You can tell me a bit about your project, and I’ll share how I might be able to help.
Sign up for my newsletter
I send my newsletter, Psychedelic Sundays, occasionally on Sundays. I share stories, interviews, and insights relevant to families living in an era of changing information and attitudes toward substances, healing, and consciousness.