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

Publishing Made Possible.

Get clarity, confidence, and the expert coaching you need—and publish your nonfiction book like a pro.

 
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As featured in

Recent successes

So, you’ve written a book—a huge accomplishment! You’ve poured your heart, soul, and possibly your sanity into it. Now, it’s time to publish. Easy, right?

HA. 😱

From research overload to a flurry of decisions and tasks, it’s a lot to manage—particularly if this is unfamiliar territory.

You find yourself wondering exactly what you need or how to move forward.

Authors always say, “I don’t know what I don’t know.” Yep—welcome to the club.

After 8+ years of guiding authors through the publishing process, and after writing books of my own, I know that publishing a book isn’t easy—especially if you’re a first-time author.

If traditional publishing is for you . . .

→ Time to convince agents and/or editors that you’re the next big thing (without sounding desperate).

→ Oh, and your query letter and book proposal need to be flawless—no pressure!

→ Then, survive the submission and publishing process step-by-step—without having an existential crisis.

If self-publishing is your thing . . .

→ Say hello to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark, and the sudden realization that now YOU have to make all the decisions.

Your book needs to meet professional standards—a cover that doesn’t scream “disaster” and formatting that won’t make readers cringe.

You’ll have to optimize your metadata (SEO), pricing, and launch strategies so your book doesn’t disappear into the abyss.

Look, writing was tough enough—do you really want publishing to be even harder?

You’re ready to get your book out into the world, but you want to do it strategically—not with frustration, guesswork, or regret.

You’re ready for expert guidance from someone who knows what works and what doesn’t. Someone who will meet you where you are and ensure you make the most of every step in the publishing process.

Someone who’s passionate, supportive, and truly invested in your success.

Your book deserves to look great. Your book deserves to be read.

It’s time to hire a book coach.

The thing that stands out most for me . . . is the word “balance.” Dan gives direction, while still respecting the author’s vision. He spends just the right amount of time with you that’s needed but doesn’t waste your time. He gets to the point, elicits your input, provides direction, and does so efficiently.

I had an all-around fantastic experience working with Dan and I will absolutely be working with him again.

—Stuart Teicher, author of Addicted to the Dogfight: The Crash and Burn of Superlawyer F. Lee Bailey


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

Meet your book publishing coach.

Hi, Daniel here.

You’re writing a book—not just any book, but one that can open doors, spark conversations, and leave a lasting impression.

Fantastic! But first . . . you need to publish it.

And let’s be real: The publishing world is . . . crowded, confusing, and full of ways to mess up.

That’s where I come in. I help nonfiction authors navigate the publishing process, avoid rookie mistakes, and make sure their books actually get noticed.🎉

✅ No publishing guesswork

✅ No endless googling/ChatGPT

✅ Smart strategies that work

✅ Less chaos, more success

Ready to publish with confidence, clarity, and way fewer headaches? Let’s make it happen!

Recent author successes:

  • glowing reviews in the Wall Street Journal

  • #1 New Release on Amazon

  • 200 Amazon reviews in two weeks

  • featured in documentaries

  • booking numerous speaking gigs

  • secured traditional publishing deals and rocked self-publishing—winning either way

  • successfully planned, published, and received accolades for second, third, and even fourth books

 

Traditional publishing or self-publishing? Either way, I’ve got you.

Book Publishing Coaching Packages and Calls

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

The organization and structure you need to start writing ✍️

Consider us a match if . . .

✓ You’re seeking personalized guidance from a trusted (and friendly) expert to get you to the next level.🚀

Your book empowers, informs, or entertains—and it’s something readers need and are looking for. Ideally, it’s unique.✅

✓ You’re ready to expand your reach, get glowing reviews, and earn the recognition you deserve. This is your time to shine. 👏🤩

✓ You are a motivated American nonfiction author.🇺🇸

✓ You’re eager to learn and level up through this process.🏫

And, ideally . . .

You plan to write multiple books.📚

I’m here to show you how to get the most out of this whole experience.🚀✨

Eight years of full-time experience as a book coach for nonfiction authors:

✓ Content creators, coaches, therapists, comedians, attorneys, historians, small publishing companies, professors, and others.

Offering coaching calls and packages for nonfiction books, especially in these genres:

✓ Self-Help & Personal Development; Dating & Relationships; US History, Biography, Politics, and Culture; Humor/Comedy; Health and Wellness; Reference and Guides; Law/Legal; Nature/Popular Science; New England regional interest; and books by academics for a general audience.

Here’s what we’ll do:

1️⃣Contact. Tell me about your book and your goals and we’ll see if we’re a fit.

2️⃣Plan and Payment. We will hop on a call to discuss what you need and set next steps. I’ll send an invoice for your credit card payment.

3️⃣Support & Delivery. You’ll receive answers, materials, and strategies to help you succeed—all delivered in a supportive and efficient way.

Book a Call with a Nonfiction Publishing Coach

Successfully navigate the self-publishing, traditional publishing, or book marketing process—or strategize for the long term.

Solution-oriented support—from first draft to first book sold.

➔ coaching calls for authors: $80/hr

The “typical” call is a 60-minute Google Meet video call. Calls are billed per 15 mins., with a 45-min. minimum.

Schedule 1 or 2 video calls a month, milestone calls, or as needed consultations.

Let’s schedule your call today!😁

Traditional Publishing Coaching

Big 5, trade press, university press, or small press—

Score a book deal and traditionally publish.

Book Publishing Strategy Calls $80/hr

  • Write and edit your query letter, book proposal, and plan your submission strategy

  • Find the right traditional publisher or agent

  • Manuscript transmittal, pre-sales, book marketing plans and publicity, and platform-building

  • Post-contract support through the copy editing, design, proofreading, and indexing stages

  • Email support for getting published

  • Q&A, long-term planning, and more

Self-Publishing Coaching

Self-publish on Amazon and beyond—the smart way.

Step-by-step support as you self-publish your book.

Book Publishing Strategy Calls $80/hr

  • Choose the best self-publishing platforms and formats

  • Title, cover, interior, categories, keywords, book description, & pricing to sell more books

  • Pre-order, launch, book marketing and publicity, and platform-building

  • Self-publish and ace Amazon KDP and IngramSpark self-publishing process

  • Email support for getting published

  • Q&A, long-term planning, and more

Coaching Packages—Traditional Publishing (Nonfiction)

The Book Proposal Package $399
(takes 4–8 weeks)

You’ll get

  • Author query and book proposal template and video tutorials
  • 60-minute video coaching call #1
  • Detailed comments + copy & line editing of your query AND proposal
  • Updated list of nonfiction publishers
  • A plan for pitching your book to publishers and/or agents with names and contacts
  • A second round of editing for your query & proposal
  • 60-minute video coaching call #2
  • Email support as you draft your materials and begin to pitch

The Book Proposal Package PLUS $699

You’ll get all the above, plus

  • Copy editing + line editing of sample chapter(s)—up to 10,000 words!
  • 60-min. video coaching call #3 focused on platform building
  • 50% off my Book Marketing course or my Self-Publishing course

À la carte traditional publishing services:

➔ Query letter editing + feedback $75

➔ Book proposal editing + feedback (sample chapter not included) $149

➔ Collaborative book marketing plan $149

➔ Coaching calls/ongoing publishing support

The Best Book Marketing Strategies course $125

Get Published—Self-Publishing Coaching Packages and Services (Nonfiction)

Self-Publishing Coaching Package $399
(takes 3–4 weeks)

You’ll get

  • 60-minute video coaching call #1
  • A personalized plan/checklist for self-publishing: platforms, formats, to-do list
  • My Step-by-Step Self-Publishing course with tutorials on how to publish on the platforms best for you
  • Metadata for your book (keywords, categories, pricing)
  • A “back cover” copy edit/consult
  • Advice on cover and interior design
  • A book description and author bio edit
  • 60-min. coaching call #2
  • Email support while you self-publish

Self-Publishing Coaching Package PLUS $699

You’ll get all the above, plus

  • A made-with-you book marketing plan shared in a Google Doc.
  • 60-minute video coaching call #3 focusing on book marketing
  • List of book awards for self-published authors
  • My Book Marketing Strategies course
  • 60-minute video coaching call #4

À la carte self-publishing services:

➔ Book description edit + author bio edit + keyword and category research for Amazon KDP and/or IngramSpark, + pricing recommendations for your book $149 $129

➔ Amazon Author page or Goodreads setup and/or optimization $99

➔ Collaborative book marketing plan $149

➔ Coaching calls/ongoing publishing support

The Best Book Marketing Strategies course $125

Book Outline Coaching

Book Outline Coaching Package $249
(takes 4–6 weeks)

Genres: Self-Help; Wellness; Relationships; US History, Politics, Biography, Culture; and Reference

You’ll get

  • Onboarding/questionnaire, clarifying your concept, audience, title, etc.
  • 60-minute video coaching call #1
  • A full outline of the book, created together
  • A writing schedule/milestone calendar/next steps
  • 60-min. coaching call #2 to discuss the above
  • A revised, fine-tuned, and finalized outline

Book Outline Coaching Package PLUS $599

You’ll get all the above, plus

  • A full edit of your first 10,000 words ($300+ value)
  • 60-minute video coaching call #3
  • A 60-minute check-in call 2–4 weeks later

À la carte book coaching services:

➔ Coaching calls/monthly check-ins

When it was time to start preparing the book for submission to my publisher, I turned to Dan to help me shepherd the manuscript through that long process.

Dan’s help was invaluable, not just in a technical sense, but also from a personal angle. My book wouldn’t exist without Dan.

His attention to detail is astounding, and just what I needed.

Knowing he was there to keep a watchful eye over me at all times buoyed me up, held me accountable, and ensured I had a friend and ally who was helping me make my book the best it could be.

—Eric A. Cheezum, author of Chessie: A Cultural History of the Chesapeake Bay Sea Monster


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

Need a DIY approach to publishing or book marketing with a clear and cost-effective path forward?

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.