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

Successful Publishing Begins Here

Publish with clarity and confidence with one-to-one guidance from an experienced book coach.

 
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As featured in

Recent successes

You poured your heart, soul, and maybe your sanity into this book.

Now publish it the smart way.

Publishing is crowded, confusing, and full of ways to stumble.

It’s a lot to manage without expert help.

With 8+ years of experience guiding nonfiction authors and my own publishing wins, I turn overwhelm into clear, practical steps and proven strategies.

Traditional publishing

  • Convince agents and editors your book is the next big thing without sounding desperate.

  • Write a query letter and book proposal that’s flawless and irresistible. No pressure!

  • Then survive the submission and publishing process step by step without having a meltdown.

Self-publishing

  • Publish to Amazon KDP and IngramSpark the smart way, with the choices and strategies that actually move the needle.

  • Meet professional standards for cover design and interior layout so readers take you seriously.

  • Optimize your keywords, categories, pricing, and launch strategy so your book gets noticed.

Publish smarter, not harder.

If you’re overwhelmed or want to do this the smart way, it’s time to bring in an experienced nonfiction book coach. Hint: That’s me!

I’ll help you translate choices into action, turn uncertainty into clarity, and turn your manuscript into an attention‑grabbing, published book.

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

Meet your book publishing coach.

Hi, Daniel here.

For the past 8+ years, I’ve guided authors through the publishing process, helping them avoid rookie mistakes and actually get noticed. Work with me and:

✅ Stop searching, start executing

✅ Publish with confidence—no more second-guessing

✅ Learn the strategies that get actually get meaningful results

✅ Replace confusion with a clear, actionable plan

Recent author wins:

  • 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’ve got you.

 

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 ✍️

🎯Best fit:

  • American nonfiction authors seeking an experienced, strategic, and uplifting book coach to get them to the next level🚀
  • Books for general readers that solve a problem, spark a transformation, inform or shift perspectives, or use humor to get people talking✨
  • Impact-driven projects written to attract media, earn rave reviews, generate speaking gigs or business opportunities, or fulfill a long-term passion (bonus points if you plan to write multiple books)👏🤩
  • Manuscripts under 100,000 words (ideal for clarity, pacing, and marketability)📝

Favorite genres:

  • Self-Help and Personal Development, Dating Advice; Relationships, Alternative Health and Wellness, Personal Finance, Humor/Comedy, US History, Biography, Sports, Politics, Cultural Studies, Popular Science (Geology, Zoology), New England Regional Interest, Reference Works

A book coach since 2017, I’ve worked with:

  • Content creators, coaches, therapists, historians, comedians, publishing companies, subject-matter experts, attorneys, and professors writing for general audiences, and others, including first-time authors and millennials

Work with me to get the most out of your publishing experience.🌟

The Coaching Process:

1️⃣Contact. Tell me about your book, your goals, and where you are in the process so we can confirm fit and set priorities.

2️⃣Plan and Payment. We’ll hop on a call to map scope, milestones, and next steps. I’ll send an invoice for your card payment.

3️⃣Support & Delivery. You’ll receive tailored guidance, practical materials, and step‑by‑step strategies—delivered in a supportive, efficient format designed to move your book forward.

Book a Call with a Nonfiction Publishing Coach

Move from uncertainty to momentum with expert guidance tailored to your goals, whether you’re pursuing traditional publishing, self‑publishing, book marketing, or building an author career.

Get Professional Support at Every Stage

From shaping your first draft to launching your book and making your first sales, you’ll get clear, strategic direction designed to help you publish with confidence.

Coaching calls for authors: $100/hr

A standard session is a focused, action-oriented 60‑minute Google Meet video call.

Choose the level of support that fits your goals:

  • One‑time strategy session

  • Monthly coaching

  • Milestone check‑ins

Choose 45, 60, 75, or 90 minutes.

Book your call today!😁

Traditional Publishing Coaching

Book Publishing Coach hourly rate: $100/hr

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

Schedule a video coaching session to:

  • Write and edit your query letter and book proposal so they stand out in a crowded inbox

  • Find the right traditional publisher or agent and build a smart manuscript submission strategy

  • Plan and implement pre-order, book marketing and publicity, launch, and platform-building activities

  • Navigate the copy editing, design, proofreading, and indexing stages (step-by-step post-contract support)

  • Create a book marketing plan and prepare for speaking engagements, interviews, and live events

I’m also available for:

  • Email support for getting published

  • Feedback on your book concept, outline, structure, and chapter revisions

  • Q&A sessions, series planning, book marketing strategy, media training, and more

If you’re committed to getting traditionally published, this coaching gives you the strategy and support you need.

Self-Publishing Coaching

Self-Publishing Coach hourly rate: $100/hr

Publish your book on Amazon KDP and other platforms—the smart way.

Schedule a video coaching session to:

  • Choose the best self-publishing platforms, formats, and distribution options for your book

  • Optimize your title, cover design, interior layout, categories, keywords, book description, and pricing to sell more books

  • Plan and implement pre-order, book marketing and publicity, launch, and platform-building activities

  • Publish on Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or other platforms with step-by-step support

  • Create a book marketing plan and prepare for speaking engagements, interviews, and live events

I’m also available for:

  • Email support for getting published

  • Feedback on your book concept, outline, structure, and chapter revisions

  • Q&A sessions, series planning, book marketing strategy, media training, and more

If you’re committed to self-publishing like a pro, this coaching gives you the strategy and support you need.

Book Coaching Packages and Services for Traditional Publishing (Nonfiction)

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

What’s included:

  • Query letter and book proposal template, plus video tutorials
  • 2 × 60-minute video coaching calls (kickoff + revision/strategy)
  • A thoughtful and thorough edit of your query letter and proposal draft
  • Up-to-date list of nonfiction publishers in the US
  • Customized plan for pitching to agents and/or publishers with 5–10 suggested publisher and agent contacts
  • A second round of editing for your query and proposal

Book Proposal Coaching Package PLUS: $539–$679

Everything in the standard package, plus:

  • Copy and line editing of up to 10,000 words of your sample chapter(s), at a 15% discount

À la carte traditional publishing services:

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

➔ Book marketing plan, done with you: $149

➔ Coaching sessions/publishing support: $100/hr

Nonfiction Book Proposal Template: $15

Book Coaching Packages and Services for Self-Publishing (Nonfiction)

Self-Publishing Coaching Package: $399
(takes 4–6 weeks)

What’s included:

  • 2 × 60-minute video coaching calls (strategy + finalization)
  • Personalized self-publishing checklist/plan (platforms, formats, timeline)
  • Full access to the Step-by-Step Self-Publishing Course tutorials
  • Keywords, categories, and pricing strategy to boost discoverability
  • Book description and author bio editing
  • Expert advice on cover design and interior layout best practices and help briefing, choosing, and working with a designer
  • Proofreading checklist

Self-Publishing Coaching Package PLUS: $599
(takes 6–8 weeks)

Everything in the standard package, plus:

  • 60-minute live upload support for up to 2 platforms
  • An additional 2 weeks of email support
  • A done-with-you book marketing plan ($149 value)

À la carte self-publishing services:

➔ Coaching sessions/publishing support: $100/hr, to guide you as you publish on Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, Barnes & Noble, or Kobo

➔ Metadata optimization to boost discoverability and sales (book description, keywords, categories, pricing, endorsement quotes, etc.): $149; with SEO for up to 2 pages of your website: $199

➔ Book marketing plan, done with you: $149

The Best Book Marketing Strategies course: $99

Book Outline Coaching

Book Outline Coaching Package: $299
(takes 4–6 weeks)

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

What’s included:

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

Book Outline Coaching Package PLUS: $699

Includes everything in the standard package, plus:

  • In-depth editing of your first 10,000 words ($400 value) for structure and flow
  • 2 additional video coaching calls (WIP review + follow-up within 30 days later)

À la carte book coaching services:

➔ Coaching sessions/monthly check-ins: $100/hr

Self-Help Book Outline Template: $15

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 The Crash & Burn of a Superlawyer: The Downfall of F. Lee Bailey


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.