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 publishing strategy for self-published and traditionally published authors.

 
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As featured in

Recent successes

You poured your heart, soul, and some of 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 so you can stop guessing and start celebrating.

Expect tactical sessions, templates that save time, and support that sustains your momentum.

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 irresistible. No pressure!

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

Self-Publishing

  • Publish to Amazon KDP and IngramSpark 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 keywords, categories, pricing, and launch strategy so your book gets noticed.

Publish smarter, not harder.

If the publishing process feels like a maze, 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 get eyes on your 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 stand out from the crowd.

Coaching with me gives you a clear, practical roadmap and enables you to:

✅ Stop searching, start executing

✅ Learn the strategies that get actually get meaningful results

✅ Have a clear publishing plan—no more second-guessing

✅ Save time and look like you know what you’re doing

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 Match

Genres I know best: Self-Help and Personal Development; Dating Advice; Relationships; Alternative Health and Wellness; American History; Biography; Sports; Politics; Social and Cultural Issues; Humor/Comedy; Personal Finance; Leadership; Geology; Reference.

Author backgrounds: Content creators; coaches; therapists; historians; comedians; subject matter experts; attorneys; professors writing for general audiences. I especially like working with first-time authors and millennials and those referred by publishers and former clients.

Ideal fit:

  • American nonfiction authors seeking an experienced, strategic book coach for successful publishing🚀
  • Books for general readers that are 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

1️⃣Contact: Tell me about your book and your goals.

2️⃣Plan and Payment: I’ll set up your coaching session or we’ll hop on a call to map scope, milestones, and next steps for your coaching package. I’ll send an invoice for your card payment.

3️⃣Support & Delivery: You’ll receive tailored guidance, step‑by‑step strategies, and helpful materials that get you solutions and results—all in an efficient, reliable, and encouraging way.

Book Coaching Strategy Sessions for Nonfiction Authors

Get Answers and Structure

One-to-one guidance for traditional publishing, self‑publishing, book marketing, and building your author career.

Coaching sessions: $100/hr

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

Choose a one‑time strategy session, monthly call, or milestone-related check-in.

45, 60, 75, or 90 minutes.

Schedule your call today!😁

(If you’re in the early stages of drafting, ask about group coaching options.)

Traditional Publishing Coaching

Book Publishing Coach hourly rate: $100/hr

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

Schedule a video coaching session to:

  • Write a query letter and book proposal that 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 copy editing, design, proofreading, and indexing (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 strategy 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: $499
(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: $639–$779

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: $499
(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: $749
(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: $399
(takes 4–6 weeks)

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: $749

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.