Daniel J. Tortora

Daniel J. Tortora – Editor

Editor/coach for structuring and polishing self-help, dating, wellness, humor, & history. I’ve turned ideas and drafts into 85+ great books.

Overview

You’re eyeing the summit. I’ll help you reach it. I’ve guided 85+ book projects, authored two books, and written 100+ articles on writing, publishing, and book marketing.

Clients have earned #1 New Release tags, 200+ Amazon reviews, national media attention, and podcast and documentary bookings and have grown as authors.

I offer efficient, strategic, reader‑focused editing and coaching that moves you forward with confidence.

Work with me to turn your idea or draft into a publish‑ready nonfiction book that connects with readers and reflects your voice and goals.

📩 Gear up and request a quote today!

🎯 Best fit: Projects tied to an online business, personal brand, or long‑term passion. I’m drawn to bold, edgy nonfiction that informs, entertains, inspires, or sparks change. I love books that are unique and full of personality!

📚 Who I work with: Coaches, therapists, comedians, historians, educators, attorneys, activists, and content creators—many of them first‑time authors.

📖 Genres: Self‑help and personal development; dating, relationships, sex and sexuality; holistic health and wellness; humor and comedy; U.S. history; biography; politics; pop culture; Hollywood; sports; reference books, glossaries and guides; books by and for millennials.

💡 Services: Line editing (voice, flow, pacing); copy editing (grammar, consistency, style); developmental editing and outline development (chapter structure and organization); coaching calls; Amazon KDP keywords and categories; self‑publishing strategy; query letter and book proposal editing for traditional publishing.

✅ Style and Standards: American English; Chicago Manual of Style; Merriam‑Webster.

😁 About me: Outdoorsy; I love Detroit pizza, UConn women’s basketball, ’90s cover bands, and muscle cars. Favorite musical instrument: the triangle.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Education & Reference Health & Wellbeing History Self-Help & Self-Improvement Sex & Relationships
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • George C. Rogers Jr. Award, South Carolina Historical Society
Certifications
  • PhD, history

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2017 — Present
• Help authors structure, write, revise, and publish nonfiction books. • Review, copy edit, line edit, and provide detailed, helpful feedback to authors and publishers. • Make books clear, concise, and consistent. Fix grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. Apply The Chicago Manual of Style guidelines. • Review and edit query letters and book proposals. • Coach authors on the traditional publishing and self-publishing process. • Prepare book metadata: Amazon KDP keywords and categories, editorial reviews, cover design suggestions, and book descriptions. • Format references, bibliographies, glossaries, and image captions. • Help authors better reach their intended readers. • Write 100+ articles for authors since 2020. • Provide expert quotes to bloggers and journalists. • Work on books in nonfiction genres including self-help and personal development; dating; sex and relationships; holistic health & wellness; humor; biography; pop culture; politics; history (US, Native American, military); reference; humanities; mind, body, spirit.

Colby College

Sep, 2011 — Aug, 2017 (almost 6 years)
• Taught writing-intensive courses to college students. • Reviewed manuscripts (editorial assessment/developmental editing) for publishers and authors. • Wrote and published two books with traditional publishers.

Portfolio

Eat Raw and Go Naked: A Recipe for Vibrant Living

Robinson, Kenny W

Soulful Nourishment Publications

100 Things to Hate Before You Die

Stavola, Claudia

Unchained Press

Chessie: A Cultural History of the Chesapeake Bay Sea Monster

Cheezum, Eric A.

Johns Hopkins University Press

The Boston Way: Radicals Against Slavery and the Civil War

Kurlansky, Mark

David R. Godine, Publisher

Everyday Anxiety

Jones, Jessi

Independently published

Failing Forward: Turning Setbacks into Success

Lockridge, Brian

Lockridge Publishing Company

Daniel J. has 15 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Franklin A.

Franklin A.

Sep, 2024

Pinned
Daniel is by far the best editor I have ever worked with. Having written a rather unique history book, Daniel was extremely careful in applying the appropriate style manual and discussed options and unique requirements of my project. I always found him very quick to respond and he finished the pr...
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Ben P.

Ben P.

Mar, 2024

Pinned
Working with Daniel was by far the best decision I have made regarding my manuscript. Perfect fit for the subject matter. Professional and social. A perfect mix for a first time author who has no idea what he is doing (me). His work delivered better than I could hope for. And I feel like I made ...
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Madeline B.

Madeline B.

Feb, 2023

Pinned
Daniel was very upfront and clear about his editing process. He delivered what he promised, providing check-in points regularly and a detailed cover letter with the final edits. He provided effective feedback and suggestions. He asked relevant questions about how I wanted things to read. He also ...
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Chris P.

Chris P.

Nov, 2025

Daniel was excellent to work with. His passion for the written word is palpable and inspires the author to do even more to make the story not only compelling but meaningful. His editing and corrections were completely in mind with my vision.
Dion P.

Dion P.

Aug, 2025

Working with Daniel has been nothing short of game-changing. He didn’t just edit my manuscript—he sharpened my voice while respecting it. Every suggestion he made was precise, professional, and rooted in true editorial wisdom. What impressed me most was his patience and commitment to detail. Whe...
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Most recent contributions

How do you decide which projects to take on?

I take on projects that line up with my expertise, availability, and interests. I’m drawn to books that offer a unique topic or a fresh approach. A clearly defined audience is a must. Add in an enthusiastic author with a vision and I’m raring to get started.

What is the best part about editing on Reedsy?

The best part about editing on Reedsy? Getting matched up with a steady stream of promising projects and shaping authors’ manuscripts into more impressive versions of themselves. Through lots of thinking, clicking, and corresponding, plus a little eyestrain, I have gained great reading material ...
Read more

What is the best part about book coaching via Reedsy?

The best part of book coaching via Reedsy is the thrill of helping authors bring their ideas to life, develop their skills, and create a book they can genuinely be proud of. I’ve always admired ice sculptures, and as a book coach, I get to be the assistant as the author sculpts the swan from th...
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