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

Publish Smarter with an Experienced Nonfiction Book Coach

Manuscript development and step-by-step guidance for successful self-publishing and traditional publishing

 
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As featured in

Recent successes

Nonfiction Book Coaching for Nonfiction That Matters

The path to a well-received book is full of messy decisions and avoidable rookie mistakes that can stall even the most brilliant authors. That’s where I come in.

As your publishing strategist, I give you a clear, practical roadmap tailored to your goals, whether you’re aiming for a traditional publishing deal or self-publishing on Amazon KDP and IngramSpark.

With a decade of experience, hundreds of authors coached, and my own publishing wins, I turn confusion into focused, actionable guidance.

Using the same strategies that have helped dozens of clients earn #1 New Release tags, increased exposure and opportunities, and coverage in outlets like The Wall Street Journal, I help you move from a decent draft to a high‑impact, professional book that gets noticed.

My coaching is tactical, efficient, and built for momentum, replacing publishing panic with clarity and excitement and focusing on what makes sense for your book.

You’ve done the hard work of writing. Now let’s make sure the world actually sees it.

Work with a nonfiction book coach who lays out a clear path forward and positions your book for increased visibility.

Working with Daniel was one of the best decisions I made for my book.

After months of stalled queries, his coaching helped me refine my proposal, sharpen my positioning, and develop a clear strategy—and I’m now thrilled to have signed with a publisher.

His thorough preparation, insightful questions, and encouraging professionalism made a complex journey feel manageable.

I would strongly recommend him to any author seeking not just feedback, but a true partner and roadmap through publishing.

—Eric Kushins, PhD, author of The Hidden Rhythms of Teams (forthcoming)


Working with Daniel turned my panic about the publishing process into pure excitement!

I couldn’t find any clear information online for specific questions I had about KDP and Ingram. Not only did he provide thorough explanations . . . but he did it in an engaging and fun way that made me feel comfortable from our first introduction.

If you want someone who is patient and incredibly knowledgeable, I highly recommend Daniel!

—Claudia Stavola, stand-up comedian and author of 100 Things to Hate Before You Die

Hi, Daniel here.

For over a decade, I’ve helped writers refine, elevate, and publish nonfiction books that matter.

Having edited more than 13 million words and guided over 200 subject matter experts, I provide the attention to detail, analytical depth, thoughtful preparation, and genuine enthusiasm necessary to turn decent drafts into high-impact nonfiction books.

Strategic wins for my clients:

  • Major press: Glowing reviews in The Wall Street Journal

  • Top rankings: #1 New Release on Amazon

  • Rapid reader response: 200+ Amazon reviews in two weeks

  • Media features: Appeared in documentaries

  • Speaking & opportunities: Booked paid speaking engagements and new clients

  • Publishing track record: Secured traditional deals and achieved major self-publishing success

  • Proven longevity: Successful second, third, and fourth books

Whether you’re aiming to be traditionally published or self-published, I ensure that your book stands out as the unique, transformative, and memorable book you intend it to be.

 

Book Coaching Services: Calls and Packages

Get answers and structure.📲

In the words of Mrs. Doubtfire, “Help is on the way, dear!” 😁

Get that book deal! 💰

Self-publish the smart way

Get the structure and framework you need to start writing ✍️

🎯Coaching: Best Match

Genres I know best: Self-Help and Personal Growth; Relationships; Dating Advice; Alternative Wellness and Spirituality; American History, Biography, Politics, Sports, and Pop Culture; Humor and Satire. Also a possible fit: Leadership; Geology; Social Issues; Reference Books.

Authors I coach: US-based subject matter experts, coaches, therapists, creatives, comedians, historians, and academics writing for general audiences. I especially enjoy working with millennials and first-time authors and referrals from publishers and other authors.

Ideal fit:

  • American nonfiction authors seeking an experienced, strategic book coach for successful publishing🚀
  • Market-ready books for general readers that are ideally under 100,000 words
  • Authors who are open to feedback and ready to invest in the strategy that goes into an impressive, visible, and influential book📝

The Coaching Process: Working with Your Publishing Strategist

1️⃣ Inquiry: Share your book, goals, and audience so we can confirm it’s the right strategic fit.

2️⃣ Strategy: We choose the roadmap or session that best supports your publishing goals.

3️⃣ Commitment: Secure your spot with payment and add a strategic partner to your team.

4️⃣ Guidance: Receive tailored advice, templates, and clear next steps to move your book toward market.

5️⃣ Impact: Walk away informed, energized, and ready to command attention with your book.

Book Coaching Strategy Sessions for Nonfiction Authors

Work with a Nonfiction Publishing Strategist

Direct, one-to-one strategic partnership for high-impact traditional publishing, professional self-publishing, and accelerated book launch planning.

  • Focused video calls via Google Meet designed for answers and execution.

  • 45–90 minute sessions tailored to your needs (your investment is billed at $100 per hour).

  • Retainers and custom packages are available for ongoing partnerships.

Schedule your call today and take a leap forward.

Traditional Publishing Coaching

Secure a book deal and traditionally publish with a Big 5 publisher, trade press, small press, or university press.

Reserve a video coaching session to:

  • Write a query letter and book proposal that command attention in a crowded inbox

  • Find the right traditional publisher or agent and build a smart submission strategy and secure post-submission support

  • Post-contract support: Navigate copy editing, design, proofreading, and indexing

  • Launch and promote: Create a comprehensive book marketing plan and prepare for speaking gigs, interviews, and live events

Self-Publishing Coaching

Publish on Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or other platforms—the smart way.

Reserve a video coaching session to:

  • Build a self-publishing roadmap: Determine the best formats, platforms, and strategies for maximum reach and set next steps

  • Optimize your title, cover design, interior layout, categories, keywords, book description, and pricing for visibility sales

  • Publish: Plan and implement pre-orders (optional) and seamlessly publish your ebook, print book, or audiobook.

  • Launch and promote: Create a comprehensive book marketing plan and prepare for speaking gigs, interviews, and live events

High-Touch Support for Nonfiction Authors

  • Draft Readiness: Detailed feedback on book concepts, outlines, and chapter revisions to ensure that your book feels real to readers

  • On-Demand Expertise: Email support for time-sensitive publishing questions with your goals in mind

  • Author Career Growth: Media training, speaking engagement prep, and next-book or long-term series mapping

  • Specialized masterminds offered annually in select genres; human-to-human experiences where true “Aha moments” happen (by application only; inquire for further details)

Book Coaching Packages and Services for Traditional Publishing

Available for US-based nonfiction authors—apply today!

The Traditional Deal Blueprint: $499

(This book proposal coaching package is a 4–8 week intensive.)

What’s included:

  • Query letter and book proposal template, plus video tutorials
  • 2 × 60-minute video coaching calls (kickoff + revision/strategy)
  • Thorough editing of your query letter and proposal draft
  • Up-to-date list of nonfiction publishers in the US and customized pitch plan
  • A second round of edits for your query and proposal

The Traditional Deal Blueprint PLUS: $799

Everything in the standard package, plus:

  • Copy and line editing of your sample chapter(s) at a 15% discount
  • 1 additional 60-minute video coaching strategy call

À la carte solutions for traditional publishing:

➔ Coaching sessions/publishing support: $100 per hour

➔ Query letter review and book proposal editing: $199 (sample chapters not included)

Nonfiction Book Proposal Template: $15

The Best Book Marketing Strategies course: $99

➔ Book marketing plan, done with you: $199

Strategic Book Coaching Packages and Services for Self-Publishing

Available for US-based nonfiction authors—apply today!

The Self-Publishing Success Suite: $499

(This self-publishing coaching package takes 4–8 weeks.)

What’s included:

  • Self-publishing roadmap: platforms (Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, etc.), formats, next steps, timeline
  • Full metadata and pricing strategy (keywords, categories, and pricing), etc.
  • Book description and author bio edit
  • Expert support on briefing, choosing, and working with layout and cover design professionals
  • Full access to the Step-by-Step Self-Publishing Course tutorials
  • 2 × 60-minute video coaching calls (strategy + finalization)
  • Proofreading checklist

The Self-Publishing Success Suite: PLUS: $799

Everything in the standard package, plus:

  • 90-minute live upload support for up to 2 platforms
  • An additional 2 weeks of email support
  • A done-with-you book marketing plan ($199 value)

À la carte solutions for self-publishing:

➔ Publishing support for Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, etc. (ebook, print book, audiobook): $100 per hour

➔ Metadata strategy to boost visibility and sales: $149

➔ Book marketing plan, done with you: $199

The Best Book Marketing Strategies course: $99

Book Outline Coaching

The Nonfiction Blueprint: $399

Available for US-based nonfiction authors in selected genres—apply today!

Genres: Self-Help and Personal Development; Dating Advice; Relationships; Humor; American History, Biography, Politics, Sports, and Culture.

What’s included:

  • Refinement of concept, audience, title, and tagline
  • Chapter-by-chapter outline, built together
  • Custom writing roadmap with milestone calendar and next-step checklist
  • 2 × 60‑minute coaching calls (structure + review and refine)
  • Revised outline ready for your first draft

The Nonfiction Blueprint PLUS: $799

Everything in the standard package, plus:

  • In-depth editing of your first 10,000 words ($450 value)
  • 1 additional video coaching call ($100+ value)

À la carte book writing solutions:

➔ Coaching strategy sessions: $100 per hour

Self-Help Book Outline Template: $15

History Book Outline Template: $15

Daniel clearly laid out the strengths and weaknesses from a perspective I wouldn’t have found on my own. His insights significantly improved the structure and brought greater consistency to the chapters, leading to a far more rewarding read.

Daniel has a great sense for how a text should be arranged and flow, and I highly recommend him to anyone looking to take their book to a higher level.

—Michael Hurben, PhD, author of The Physics of Birds and Birding


Daniel Tortora is an amazing book coach. He met me where I was at . . . and had some great ideas.

He was as excited as I was, which was exactly what I needed.

Daniel helped me get clear on my goals and gave me simple, easy-to-follow strategies.

His enthusiasm is infectious and his knowledge of the publishing industry is vast.

—Kelly Miller, health coach and self-published cookbook author

Online Courses for Authors

For authors who prefer a DIY approach before working with a book coach:

Get actionable advice, a process to follow, and indispensable templates, resources, and checklists.

Take an on-demand course on get a digital download or template today.