Hi! I’m glad you stopped by.

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

For over a decade, I’ve been polishing manuscripts, guiding authors, and making publishing way less confusing.

Who I work with

The amazing authors I partner with include content creators, coaches, therapists, comedians, attorneys, historians, educators, and more.

They have some things in common:

• They are writing bold, meaningful books that solve problems, guide transformations, inspire wonder, entertain, or spark conversation.

• They aspire to produce reader-first work that looks professional and is genuinely enjoyed and recommended.

• They seek impact over vanity: these authors want their ideas to change minds, start conversations, and create opportunities—not just sit on a shelf.

What they are looking for from an editor:

• Personalized, expert feedback that’s detailed, practical, and delivered with encouragement.

• Clear, actionable guidance on structure, voice, and market fit.

• A steady partner through the messy parts of drafting, revising, and publishing so they don’t have to go it alone.

It’s too time-consuming, overwhelming, and unwise to tackle the publishing process alone. “Don’t try this at home, kids!”

Remember that Tom Hanks movie where he was stranded on a deserted island with little more than a volleyball? Not your idea of fun!

I provide steady, practical support from draft to launch: structural edits, line edits, editorial letters, and publishing strategy. I preserve each author’s voice while sharpening clarity, pacing, and impact so books connect with readers and stand out.

My clients have earned glowing reviews in The Wall Street Journal, reached #1 New Release on Amazon, and generated rapid reader response—one author received 200 Amazon reviews in two weeks. They’ve also landed interviews, speaking gigs, podcast and documentary features, and traditional publishing deals.

I’ve been the go-to for dozens of nonfiction authors who want to write better, publish smarter, and reach more readers.

Many clients go on to write multiple books and work with me again and again.

Authors say I do more than refine prose: I respect their voice, champion their vision, and provide unwavering, practical support through the entire publishing journey.

Ready to see if we’re a fit? Inquire about book coaching or book editing services today.

Here’s what I offer:

Nonfiction Book Editing and Coaching Services

My Story

My passion for history, reading, book publishing, 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. I was all about the summer reading challenges and the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! program. When I went to the mall, I didn’t just go to Spencer’s, Champs Sports, and the food court (although those loaded baked potatoes were pretty good!); I was in Borders and Waldenbooks. There was a time when I was reading and pretty much never left the sofa—after breaking my leg twice in the awful nine months that was sixth grade.

Books have always been my jam. Other than that, my favorite kind of jam is seedless raspberry! My grandpa made the best raspberry jam.

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

A trip to Charleston, South Carolina, led to a college history degree, 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.

I wrote two successful books and read, reviewed, and edited dozens more and enjoyed it immensely.

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

That felt great. I uncovered secrets I needed to share. I learned valuable lessons along the way.

I loved nonfiction writing and nonfiction books—and one-on-one work.

So I began full-time editing and coaching work in 2017. I couldn’t (and still can’t) imagine doing anything else.

With a passion for engaging and readable nonfiction books and a keen eye for detail, I love guiding authors like you in fine-tuning and publishing books that readers rave about.

Seeing you better informed, energized, and beaming with pride 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.

Over the years, I’ve edited over 12 million words; written 100+ articles on various aspects of writing, publishing, and book marketing; and guided dozens of authors.

Some days, I’m dusting off old books or squinting at scanned documents, lost in studying early American and Indigenous/American Indian history. More on that later.

Other than that, I’m up for outdoor activities just about every day. I love going to classic car shows and cruise nights, watching live music, going out for comfort food, and sampling hand-crafted chocolates. I listen to a lot of podcasts and watch a lot of documentaries, but for some reason shows like The Trust and The Snake always catch my interest, too.

Historian Daniel J. Tortora

If you enjoy early American history and that’s what brought you to this page, or if you’re wondering what I do when I’m not editing and coaching authors, this section is for you:

I research and publish on late Colonial and Revolutionary America, eighteenth‑century South Carolina, and Indigenous history (Native American history) based in New England and the South.

In my history books and articles you’ll find fresh interpretations, exciting archival discoveries, and narratives that will deepen your understanding of the period.

I am the author of two traditionally published books, Fort Halifax and George C. Rogers Jr. Award–winner Carolina in Crisis.

I hold a PhD in History from Duke University, where I studied with a Pulitzer Prize–winning mentor, and I have taught at Duke and Colby College.

I regularly publish articles, give public talks (60+ engagements), and contribute reviews and editorial work for historical societies, most recently SC250. I’m currently working on new articles and books.

Read my work or contact me to discuss our shared interests in history.

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

 Fun Facts

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