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.

Work with a Book Coach
 
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As featured in

Recent successes

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

Now comes publishing. Easy, right?

Ha. 😱

The publishing world is . . . crowded, confusing, and full of ways to mess up.

It’s a lot to manage without expert help.

After 8+ years guiding authors through the various steps in the publishing process, and after writing books of my own, I know that publishing a book isn’t easy—especially if you’re new at it.

For traditional publishing:

  • Convince agents and/or editors that you’re the next big thing without sounding desperate.

  • Make your query letter and book proposal flawless and irresistible. No pressure!

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

For self-publishing:

  • Wrestle with Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark—a thousand choices and many forms to complete.

  • Meet professional standards and reader expectations for cover design and interior layout.

  • Optimize your keywords, categories, pricing, and launch strategy so your book screams, “Pick me, pick me!”

Feeling overwhelmed or just want to do this the smart way? Your manuscript needs strategic support to turn options into action and confusion into a plan.

Now is the moment to bring in an experienced book coach. Yes, that’s me!

I’ll help you make clear, practical choices so your project keeps moving forward, step by step.

It’s time to stop guessing and start doing. We’ll get your book out there and make it impossible to ignore.

See Book Coaching Services

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


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.

Discuss Book Coaching Services

Book a Call with a Nonfiction Publishing Coach

Move from uncertainty to momentum with expert guidance tailored to your publishing goals, whether you're pursuing traditional publishing, self‑publishing, book marketing, or building a long‑term 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 60‑minute Google Meet call (45‑minute minimum), billed in 15‑minute increments.

Choose the level of support that fits your goals:

  • One‑time strategy sessions

  • Monthly coaching

  • Milestone check‑ins

Book your call today!😁

Schedule a Coaching Session

Traditional Publishing Coaching

Book Publishing Coach hourly rate: $100/hour

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/hour

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.

Schedule a Coaching Session

Book Coaching Packages and Services for Traditional Publishing (Nonfiction)

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

What’s included:

  • Author query and book proposal template, plus video tutorials
  • 60-minute video coaching call #1 to kick off your book proposal package
  • Copy and line editing for your query letter and proposal draft
  • An up-to-date list of nonfiction publishers
  • 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
  • 60-minute video coaching call #2 to fine-tune your materials

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
Hire a Publishing Coach

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 calls/ongoing 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:

  • 60-minute video coaching call #1 to map out your self-publishing path
  • A personalized plan/checklist for self-publishing with platforms, formats, and a to-do list
  • Full access to the Step-by-Step Self-Publishing Course with tutorials
  • Keywords, categories, and pricing strategy to boost discoverability
  • Book description and author bio editing for maximum impact
  • Expert advice on cover design and interior layout best practices and guidance on briefing, selecting, and working with a designer
  • Proofreading checklist
  • 60-minute video coaching call #2 to help you finalize the above

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

Everything in the standard package, plus:

  • 60-minute video coaching call #3 for live support as you upload to up to 2 platforms
  • An additional 2 weeks of email support
  • A done-with-you book marketing plan ($149 value)
Hire a Self-Publishing Coach

À la carte self-publishing services:

➔ Coaching calls/ongoing publishing support: $100/hr, including live support while you publish on Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, Barnes & Noble, or Kobo

➔ Metadata optimization to boost discoverability and sales: book description, author bio, IngramSpark and Amazon KDP keywords, categories, and pricing: $149; with SEO for up to two 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)

Best fit nonfiction genres: 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
  • 60-minute video coaching call #1 to brainstorm structure and goals
  • Chapter-by-chapter outline, built together
  • Custom writing roadmap with a milestone calendar and next-step checklist
  • 60-min. coaching call #2 to review progress, refine ideas, and troubleshoot
  • 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 ($300+ value) for structure and flow
  • 60-minute video coaching call #3 to review your work in progress
  • 60-minute check-in call #4 2–6 weeks later
Hire a book Coach

À la carte book coaching services:

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

Self-Help Book Outline Template: $15

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)


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

Get Started with Book Coaching

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.

See Courses and Digital Products