Gordon Van Gelder (born September 8, 1966) is an American editor, publisher, and author specializing in science fiction and fantasy literature. He is best known for his long‑term involvement with The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction (F&SF), serving as its editor from 1997 to 2015 and as publisher from 2000 onward.
Early life and education
Van Gelder was born in New York City. He attended Princeton University, where he participated in the campus science‑fiction club Infinity, Ltd., and edited its club‑zine, The Infinite Loop.
Career
After graduating, Van Gelder worked at St. Martin’s Press beginning in 1988. He joined The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction in the mid‑1990s, becoming its editor with the June 1997 issue. Under his leadership, the magazine continued to publish notable authors and maintain its reputation as a leading venue for speculative fiction. In 2000 he assumed the role of publisher, overseeing both editorial and business operations. He remained in these positions until 2015, after which he transitioned to consulting and other publishing ventures, including founding Spilogale Incorporated, a press named after a genus of spotted skunks.
Awards and recognition
Van Gelder has received multiple honors for his editorial work. He won the Hugo Award for Best Professional Editor (Short Form) in 2007 and again in 2008. He also received the World Fantasy Award (Special Award—Professional) in 2000 and 2003.
Publications and other activities
In addition to his editorial duties, Van Gelder has authored introductions, essays, and occasional fiction. He has been involved in various genre‑related organizations and conferences, contributing to the broader speculative‑fiction community.
References
- Wikipedia entry “Gordon Van Gelder.”
- The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction editorial archives.
- Hugo Awards official listings.
- World Fantasy Award records.
