Daniel J. Tortora
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Daniel J. Tortora
Nonfiction Book Editor | Publishing Coach | Historian
 

Meet the Editor &
Book Publishing Coach,
Daniel Tortora.

 
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Hi! I’m glad you’re here.

I’m Daniel Tortora, nonfiction authors’ secret weapon. 🥷

For over a decade, I have shown authors and publishers how to improve and publish worthy book manuscripts.

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The amazing authors I work with are solopreneurs, coaches, therapists, comedians, attorneys, historians, and educators (along with some super-motivated hobbyists) who . . .

  • have something valuable to share with the world—and are seeking to inform, inspire, or entertain

  • want to produce polished books that are meant to be read and enjoyed by many

  • seek out detailed and insightful feedback, guidance, and direction

Because it’s too time-consuming . . . too daunting . . . darn near impossible to attempt it alone. And who wants to go it alone?

I love hearing authors say how much I helped them and how excited, enlightened, and empowered they felt along the way.

I love helping authors succeed—in my own genuinely supportive and enthusiastic way.

I’ve seen clients finally get that elusive book deal. Finally get published. Their books have received praise from The Wall Street Journal, have become Amazon #1 New Releases, and have won awards left and right. They’re booking interviews, speaking gigs, and opportunities galore. Many have gone on to write more books. One book netted two hundred!! Amazon reviews within weeks of publication! It’s been a joy to be a part of it.

Authors want to know how to write better, publish wisely, and sell books that their readers will love.

I’m sure you can relate.

Here’s where I come in:

Nonfiction Book Editing and Coaching Services

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from first draft to publishing-ready

Hire an editor—

and get your manuscript polished, focused, and ready to roll.

Offering copy editing and line editing (and developmental editing for select genres).

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from final draft to launch day

Traditional publishing or self-publishing:

Strategy, guidance, and expertise from an experienced publishing coach.

Write the proposal and get the book deal—or go from final draft to self-published standout.

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for publishing and book marketing

Up for the DIY approach?

Take your author journey into your own hands—at your own pace—

Get your eyes on these smart, savvy, step-by-step author resources.

My Story

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My passion for history, reading, writing books, and helping writers has led me to where I am today: as the book coach and editor trusted by dozens of authors each year.

I spent a lot of time at the library as a kid, doing summer reading challenges, partaking in the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! program, and being stuck on the sofa thanks to two broken legs in the awful nine months that was sixth grade.

Books have been my jam for as long as I can remember. (Other than that, my favorite kind of jam is raspberry!)

In college and in my 20s, inspired by my grandpa’s adventures in the 1940s—when he traveled across the USA twice—and his storytelling skills, I pursued a passion for US history.

You might be surprised, but I spent many happy years in graduate school with inspiring professors, then time teaching, advising, and mentoring college students.

I was known for my enthusiasm and my ability to transform people’s writing skills.

Along the way, I wrote two successful books and read, reviewed, and edited dozens more.

People would always ask me, “How did you do it?” “How can I do it?” And I was able to help them!

I uncovered secrets I needed to share.

I couldn’t ignore how much I loved nonfiction writing and nonfiction books—and one-on-one work.

I knew that I wanted to work with authors full-time, so that’s what I began doing in 2017. I couldn’t (and still can’t) imagine doing anything else.

Helping authors like you fine-tune and publish a raved-about book—and seeing you beam with pride knowing you did a great job and learned a lot along the way—is what fuels me.

You probably guessed it: I’m usually editing nonfiction books, helping authors get published, working with them on their book marketing plans, or creating and updating my courses and digital downloads for authors.

Some days, I’m dusting off old books or squinting at scanned documents, doing research in early American and Indigenous/American Indian history (more on that below). Or doing the typical stuff an entrepreneur does. (That’s another thing that I always wanted to do! Thanks, Shark Tank!)

Other than that, I’m outside getting some fresh air, listening to podcasts, watching documentaries, or reading up on pop culture.

I am a health nut (and I get outside almost every day), but I love love love potato chips and will travel far and wide for hand-crafted chocolates!

The History Stuff / Historian Daniel J. Tortora

If you enjoy early American history and that’s what brought you to this page,

I read, research, and publish in these areas:

American history (late Colonial and Revolutionary War eras)
eighteenth-century South Carolina
Native American history (aka American Indian/Indigenous history) (New England and the South)

Check out my history books and articles—

You’ll be transported to a place and time that stirs your imagination and you’ll gain new insight. You’ll have something you can tell your friends about.

I am the author of two traditionally published books: Fort Halifax and George C. Rogers Jr. Award–winner Carolina in Crisis. I am working on new articles and books.

On my vita is a PhD from Duke University, where my advisor and mentor was a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian.

I have taught at Duke University and Colby College.

I’ve racked up 60+ public speaking credits and several published articles, and I’m often quoted by journalists, bloggers, and historians.

Thanks for letting me share my love for history with you. I appreciate your support.

 Fun Facts

 

I’ve lived in

7 US states, including Virginia and Montana🇺🇸

 
 

life is better with . . .

morning walks🥾, bird watching🦜, Vermont cheddar cheese🧀, trips to the lake🚤

 
 

memorable past hobbies

radio DJ🎙️, soccer ref⚽, touring US state capitols🧳

 
 

alma mater

Duke University (PhD in history)🎓

 
 

favorite desserts

strawberry shortcake🍰, Dad’s apple crisp🍎

 
 

sports team

UConn basketball🏀

 
 

bucket list destination . . .

Slovakia🇸🇰

 

How about something in your inbox that you actually want to see?

Writing a book or wanting to?

Get helpful how-tos and resources for US authors on writing, publishing, and selling great nonfiction books.

Early American history fan?

Get my occasional research updates and notes, book roundups and reviews, and more.