Philip Rappaport – Editor

With over 25 years of experience as a nonfiction editor, I have worked at major publishers, including Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and leading academic presses. I specialize in shaping compelling nonfiction narratives that connect with readers and capture the attention of agents and publishers.

Services

Developmental Editing

I guide writers in transforming their ideas into clear, engaging, and polished nonfiction manuscripts.

Proposal Development

Whether starting from scratch or refining an existing proposal, I help articulate your book’s unique value to captivate agents and publishers.

Manuscript Evaluation

I provide detailed, actionable feedback to enhance your manuscript’s structure, clarity, and overall impact.

Teaching & Industry Expertise

As an educator at Emerson College and the City College of New York, I’m dedicated to sharing industry insights and best practices, empowering writers to navigate the publishing landscape with confidence.

TESTIMONIALS

"Philip, my full-time editor and part-time counselor, agreed to shape the book and shepherd it through the Free Press and Simon & Schuster. He read every word at least twice and changed a surprisingly large number for the better." -- Dr. Martin Seligman, bestselling author of Authentic Happiness

"Thanks and gratitude to . . . the most enthusiastic editor an amateur writer could ever wish to have, for giving the book a home." -- Maxwell Ryan, author and creator of the award-winning website Apartment Therapy

"To my editor . . . for his enthusiasm and intelligence and for getting me through my first book. I've loved every second." -- Adam Roberts, author of The Amateur Gourmet

"Philip has been a sweetheart of an editor. Immersing oneself in narcissism can activate anger, and Philip’s kindness and optimism helped me to keep my balance throughout the revision process." -- Sandy Hotchkiss, author of Why Is It Always About You? The Seven Deadly Sins of Narcissism

"Philip's incisive eye, thoughtful comments, and personal support across the whole arc of this project have made it a privilege to work with him." -- Mitch Horowitz, author of Occult America

"Philip is a great editor and friend." -- Dr. Leslie Baumann, bestselling author of The Skin Type Solution

"At the Free Press the manuscript found a sympathetic, thoughtful, challenging, and generous friend in my editor; I appreciate his skill and his tenacity." -- James Garbarino, author of Lost Boys: Why Our Sons Turn Violent and How We Can Help Them