Trusted by these and other publishers (and dozens of self-published authors)
Recent successes
Youâve been writing a bold nonfiction book and you plan to get it published.
You want more than just clear writingâyou want a book that compels readers, earns reviews, and gets noticed.
Youâre too close to it to know exactly what it needs.
You donât know all the publishing industry standards to apply.
Youâve gotten some feedback. But not from a professional nonfiction editor who knows what makes a book great.
(Letâs be honest: Your âfriend who was an English majorâ doesnât count.)
You need an experienced, encouraging nonfiction book editor to:
â Polish your manuscript so itâs clear, concise, and consistent
â Smooth sentences and transitions to improve flow
â Refine your message so it resonates with your intended audience
â Optimize structure for maximum impact and reader retention
â Prepare for publication, whether that means self-publishing or pursuing traditional publishing
I edit with discoverability and reader experience in mind. The result is a manuscript that reads beautifully and travels well.
Letâs shape your manuscript into an impressive, publish-ready book.
Hi, Daniel here!
Hi, Daniel here. I help nonfiction authors transform bold ideas and early drafts into polished, highâimpact books readers canât put down.
Iâve edited 12+ million words, working with writers to strengthen structure, clarify argument, and refine voice while preserving what makes each book distinct.
My approach is practical, efficient, and encouraging: Our goal is a final draft that meets industry standards and exceeds reader expectations.
Weâll strengthen your structure, streamline your content, and deliver a final draft readers wonât want to put down.
Author wins:
Glowing reviews in the Wall Street Journal
#1 New Release on Amazon
200+ Amazon reviews in two weeks
Featured in documentaries
Numerous paid speaking gigs and related opportunities
Traditional publishing deals secured and major self-publishing success
Great second, third, and even fourth books
Dan Tortora is simply the best. Just hire him. . . .
Brilliant. Wise. Deep. Smart. Knowledgeable. Dependable. And a joy to spend time with.
He worked with me through two award-winning books that I could never have finished without him. When Iâm ready for the next one, heâs my first call. . . .
Iâve been a writer for 35 years. . . . He is by far the best editor Iâve ever come across to work with me. Youâll find the same.
âSamantha Shad, author of Write Through the Crisis and The Write to Happiness
Nonfiction Book Editing Services
Choose your path(s) below. Custom quotes are offered for projects requiring different levels of editing or multiple services.
Get clear, concise, and consistent đ
Deep-dive feedback đ
Fine-tune your pitch to publishersđŻ
đŻBest Match
Genres: 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 other authors.
Ideal fit:
- American nonfiction authors seeking an experienced, efficient, and uplifting editor to level up their manuscriptđ
- Books for general readers that are under 100,000 wordsâ¨
- Authors who care about craft and discoverability, are open to feedback, and are ready to invest in the polish and strategy that goes into an impressive, visible, and influential bookđ
The Editing Process
1ď¸âŁConfidential Assessment: Send a project brief. Iâll evaluate fit, request a sample, and assess the optimal level of edit.
2ď¸âŁCustom proposal: Iâll set up a call to discuss the project, deliverables, and schedule and will provide a clear scope, timeline, and quote.
3ď¸âŁAgreement and payment: Once the plan is in writing, sign and pay by card to reserve your date.
4ď¸âŁFiles and feedback: I edit in Microsoft Word with Track Changes and deliver a detailed editorial letter. Iâll manage timelines, check in regularly, and ensure the manuscript meets professional publishing standards.
5ď¸âŁFinal polish: Review, approve, and revise the file I return, then voilĂ âa publishâready manuscript.
6ď¸âŁGet published! And keep me posted on your book launch and future plans (coaching and digital resources are available when youâre ready).
Copy Editing
Turn your draft into a clear, concise, polished manuscript ready for or traditional or self-publishing.
- Correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and syntax
- Improve clarity and tighten sentences while preserving your voice
- Ensure consistency across style, headings, captions, references, and formatting
- Apply Chicago Manual of Style guidelines
Includes a âstyle sheetâ listing changes made and standards applied.
Copy editing rates: $0.027 per word
Line Editing
Refine your voice and sharpen flow for stronger reader engagement.
- Refine sentence rhythm, word choice, and phrasing to remove repetition and awkwardness
- Smooth transitions between paragraphs, sections, and chapters
- Align tone to match your goals and target audience
Best for first-time authors and books aimed at broad audiences.
Line editing with copy editing rates: $0.033 per word
Developmental Editing (aka Structural Editing, Content Editing)
Shape the big picture so your book is cohesive, well organized, and memorable.
Genres: Self-Help, Dating Advice, American History, Biography, Politics, Sports, Social and Cultural Issues.
- Refine the central theme(s), core arguments, and overarching narrative
- Reorganize and restructure content for maximum impact
- Recommend additions, deletions, and rewrites
- Optimize chapter order, chapter titles and headings, and the various elements of the book, such as the introduction and conclusion
Best for early drafts, unfocused projects, books that are too long or too short, or manuscripts that need reorganization. Comes with an actionable editorial letter.
Developmental editing rate: $0.045 per word
Book Proposal Editing
Craft a persuasive pitch for literary agents or publishing companies.
- Optimize and refine every section of your book proposal for clarity, focus, and market fit (sample chapter editing is billed by the word)
- Optimize and refine your query letter
- Get content, line editing, and copy editing suggestions and helpful comments
Recommended for those who are new to traditional publishing or who want to make a strong first impression. Done in a Word document or Google Doc.
Book proposal editing rate: $199 + sample chapter edits (optional)
Dan doesnât just read your material, he thinks about it. He cares about it. He checks sources, he fixes grammar, and he considers how the reader will react.
He gives direction, while still respecting the authorâs vision.
Dan is an outstanding editor and I will be working with him on all of my future projects.
âStuart Teicher, author of The Crash & Burn of a Superlawyer: The Downfall of F. Lee Bailey
I canât thank Dan enough for the diligence he put into this. He has is an incredible gift to be able to hold attention to such details. . . .
As many times as I went through it, I still canât believe how many missing words and typos there were. Thatâs why authors need to recruit a strong team. . . . It is so very worth the investment!
The manuscript looks great and I couldnât be happier.
âMelissa M. Carvalho, author of Purpose Forward: The Ultimate Career Starterâs Guide to Finding a Career (and Life) of Purpose