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 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 I’m ghostwriting for a business leader or creating blog posts for a retail shop, I always begin with deep listening. I bring the story into focus, clarifying what matters most and developing a narrative 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.
Have a project in mind? Tell me about it. A short conversation is usually all it takes to know whether I can help.
Editing
I help written text become clear, polished and ready for readers to enjoy.
Editing is where my career began. At The Canadian Press, I edited news on tight deadlines, and at the Toronto Star, I edited and laid out 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 important facts. I also explain my changes so you always understand them and stay in charge of your work.
I have a designer’s eye. After years of laying out feature pages, I can see how headlines, images and captions work together and how a block of text looks on the page or screen before anyone reads a word.
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.
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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.