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

Thoughtful, Strategic Coaching for Nonfiction Authors

Move your book forward with purpose, and navigate self-publishing or traditional publishing with expert, one‑to‑one guidance.

 
 
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As featured in

Recent successes

Nonfiction Book Coaching for Nonfiction That Matters

The path to a well-received book is filled with complex decisions and subtle missteps that can stall or derail even the most dedicated authors. The good news is, you don’t have to figure it out by trial and error or rely on generic, impersonal advice.

As your publishing strategist, I give you a clear, practical roadmap built around your goals, whether you’re aiming for a traditional publishing contract or taking on a self-publishing launch on Amazon KDP and IngramSpark.

Drawing on a decade of experience, hundreds of authors coached, and my own publishing wins, I provide focused, actionable guidance:

  • Clear, Actionable Roadmaps: Custom strategies tailored to your timeline, target audience, and publishing path.

  • Proven Pitch and Market Positioning: The same frameworks that have earned my clients #1 New Release badges, traditional contracts, and coverage in outlets like The Wall Street Journal.

  • Tactical Execution: Step-by-step guidance on proposals, query letters, metadata, and launch timing so you avoid rookie mistakes and publish with confidence.

You’ve done the hard work of writing. Now let’s make sure your book gets the visibility and audience it deserves.

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 Coach

Hi, Daniel here.

For over a decade, I’ve helped US-based subject matter experts, scholars, and creatives refine, polish, and publish nonfiction books that make an impact.

Having edited more than 13 million words and guided over 200 authors, I bring meticulous analytical depth, thorough preparation, and genuine commitment to every partnership. I transform promising drafts into market-ready books that demand attention.

Strategic Wins for My Clients

When you bring a dedicated strategist onto your team, your manuscript becomes a vehicle for real-world opportunities. Recent client results include:

  • Major Press: Glowing book reviews in The Wall Street Journal.

  • Top Rankings: Multiple #1 New Release badges on Amazon.

  • Rapid Reader Engagement: 200+ Amazon reviews within two weeks of launch.

  • Media Features: Appearances in documentaries, national podcasts, and broadcast media.

  • Professional ROI: Books leveraged to secure paid speaking engagements, consulting clients, and career pivots.

  • Proven Partnership: Authors returning for their second, third, and fourth books.

Whether you’re pursuing traditional publishing or self-publishing, I ensure that your book stands out as the unique, transformative, and memorable book you intended from day one.

 

🎯Coaching: Best Match

Genres I coach: Self-Help and Personal Growth; Relationships and 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, historians, and academics writing for general audiences. I especially enjoy working with millennials and first-time authors and welcome referrals from publishers.

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 publishing and promoting an impressive, visible, and influential book📝

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 ✍️

Book Coaching Sessions for Nonfiction Authors

1:1 Calls with a Nonfiction Publishing Specialist

Get focused, individualized guidance designed for answers and execution on your specific writing, publishing, or marketing challenges.

These sessions deliver clear answers, strategic direction, and actionable next steps, whether you’re shaping your idea, writing your manuscript, navigating the publishing process, planning your launch, promoting your book, or pondering your next creative endeavor.

$100/hour. Sessions run 45–90 minutes via Google Meet.

Traditional Publishing Coaching

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

  • Develop your craft: Get detailed feedback on book concepts, outlines, and chapter revisions

  • Stand out in the inbox: Write a query letter and book proposal that command attention

  • Find the right traditional publisher or agent, build a smart submission strategy, and secure a book deal

  • Publish strong: Navigate copy editing, design, proofreading, and indexing

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

Self-Publishing Coaching

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

  • Develop your craft: Get detailed feedback on book concepts, outlines, and chapter revisions

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

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

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

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

Book Coaching Packages and Services for Traditional Publishing

The Traditional Deal Blueprint ($499)

Best For: US-based authors seeking a contract with a trade press, small press, university press, or Big 5 publisher.

What You Receive:

  • 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)

You Receive All the Above, 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/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

The Self-Publishing Success Suite ($499)

Best For: For US-based authors self-publishing on Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital who want to launch smoothly.

What You Receive:

  • Self-publishing roadmap and platform selection, 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)

You Receive All the Above, 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/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)

Best for: Authors who want a structured framework before or while writing their first draft.

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

What You Receive:

  • 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)

You Receive All the Above, Plus:

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

À la carte solutions for writing your book:

➔ Coaching strategy sessions: $100/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

The Coaching Process: Working with Your Publishing Strategist

1️⃣ Connect: Share your book goals and target audience via the project brief form to confirm a good fit.

2️⃣ Plan: Choose the roadmap or strategy session that best supports you.

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

4️⃣ Develop: Receive personalized feedback, custom templates, and clear action steps during our video calls.

5️⃣ Publish and Thrive: Move forward with a polished manuscript, proposal, or launch plan ready for market. Walk away informed, energized, and command attention with your book.

Digital Products 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.