Neil Gordon

Neil Gordon – Editor

Getting feedback doesn't have to be an overwhelming experience. I work to ensure your hand is held through every step of the process.

Overview

Receiving substantive feedback can be tough. You've worked for months if not years on your baby, and now someone is supposed to swoop in and tell you what you're supposed to do with it? Brutal.
To ensure you receive quality editorial feedback in line with your intentions, I recommend that after reading your manuscript I provide you with a concise list of bullet points highlighting the editorial direction I will suggest in the full letter. Then, after we've discussed this list and you've approved, I will then read the manuscript a second time and write the full letter. This way, you are offered no surprises and can get right to the heart of the most important aspects of your revision process. You will get all of the best parts of receiving feedback (insight, clarity, eagerness to move forward), without all of the worst parts (creative differences, anxiety, self-hatred).

A former member of the editorial staff of Dutton (Penguin Random House), I have worked with New York Times bestselling authors and as a freelancer have facilitated the careers of a variety of authors, including an internationally bestselling novelist .
Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Fantasy Historical Fiction Humor & Comedy Literary Fiction Mystery & Crime Picture Books Science Fiction Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Young Adult
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Economics Education & Reference Health & Wellbeing Humanities & Social Sciences Inspirational New Age Religion & Spirituality Self-Help & Self-Improvement

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2007 — Present

Edited multiple manuscripts, including the manuscripts of an internationally bestselling novelist; coached published authors through the writing process of multiple non-fiction books currently available in the marketplace; ghostwrote non-fiction book proposals that led to six-figure advances and the publication of books seen on national TV shows like Ellen and Dr. Oz.

Penguin Random House

Apr, 2004 — Aug, 2007 (over 3 years)

Edited New York Times bestselling authors, facilitated acquisition of content that led to starred reviews in multiple publications, provided hundreds of readers reports on editorial submissions.

Portfolio

The #1 New York Times bestselling author addresses the controversial questions about the life of Jesus Christ and the women in his life. An extraordinary message from ?possibly the most famous psychic in the world,?(Mystic Living Today)Sylvia Browne: ?In writi... read more
What if you could follow a program that, like in so many other books, helped you get results in only a couple of weeks? As with these other programs, you could lose weight, attract more beneficial relationships, and find a greater state of balance in very litt... read more
What if you could learn powerful insights into a person just by seeing his or her face? For 2,500 years, the science of Mien Shiang (pronounced myen-shung), or Chinese face reading, has given anyone who studies its form this incredible ability. Whether working... read more
If you were given the chance to write your own future and direct your own destiny, how would your life change?In this groundbreaking new book, author Jennifer Grace shares insights from her experience as a SAG actress, screenwriter, and filmmaker that give eve... read more
Have you ever wondered how others have reached their goals? Have you ever wanted to be more engaged and present? Have you ever wanted your life to be filled with adventure? Most of us have. It’s important to note, though, that you don’t need to climb Mount Eve... read more
Soon to be a Major Motion Picture"An engaging and smart novel with rich characters.”—She Knows Red Hot Book of the WeekAt one time or another, everyone has wished they could be someone else. Exploring this universal longing, Allie Larkin follows up the success... read more
“If you really want to make a change in your life, gain health in body and mind, read Cameron's book. He’s improved my life and I hope you allow him to improve yours.” —NBC’s Maria Menounos, author of The EveryGirl’s Guide to Life“The Guru in You will gently g... read more

Neil has 4 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Dawn T.

Dawn T.

Jul, 2018

The depth of Neil's knowledge of story structure, character analysis, and plot/sub-plot breakdown runs deep. Neil is the third and most articulate editor with whom I've had the privilege of working with. His thorough feedback, patience, and quick follow-ups are just what a writer needs during the upheaval of novel writing. If you are considering hiring Neil, DO IT! I highly recommend him for yo...
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Yana P.

Yana P.

Sep, 2017

Excellent experience! Neil provided a very thoughtful, professional and empathic/caring content editing comments on my book. His feedback was very constructive and educational: every time he suggested an different approach / modification, he explained why it will be important and how it will impact reader's engagement and explained in detail how I can apply it to my book. He went beyond the tas...
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Eric S.

Eric S.

Dec, 2016

Working with Neil was a real pleasure. As a first time author, I wasn't sure what to expect when hiring an editor, but Neil made the process very comfortable and really set an expectation for myself in the future. His insights instantly sparked some very exciting storyline changes and thematic explorations for me. I truly think that he's made my book far more coherent and much more focused t...
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Molly K.

Molly K.

Oct, 2016

Neil's amazing. He's one of those rare finds who can deliver critical feedback that leaves your ego intact and your book for the better. I highly recommend using Neil for an editorial review. I honestly felt like he knew my book better than I did after receiving his editorial review. And his recommendations helped me to think about the tough questions that needed to be asked in order to take my...
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