Daniel J. Tortora

Daniel J. Tortora – Editor

Meticulous and uplifting editor (100 books) & coach. Self-help, dating, wellness, history, humor. Let’s structure, fine-tune, or strategize!

Overview

You’re eyeing the summit. I’ll help you reach it.

Work with me to create a publish‑ready nonfiction book that connects with readers, elevates your voice and your message, and moves you forward with confidence.

I’ve edited 100+ manuscripts, coached and guided 100+ authors, written two books, and published 125+ articles on writing, publishing, and book marketing.

My clients have earned #1 New Release tags, hundreds of Amazon reviews, national media coverage, and podcast and documentary bookings.

📩 Gear up and request a quote today!

🎯 My sweet spot: Projects tied to an online business, personal brand, or long‑term passion. Bold, edgy, funny, heartfelt, disruptive nonfiction that informs, entertains, or sparks change. I love books that are unique, human, and full of personality!

📚 Who I vibe with: coaches, therapists, historians, comedians, educators, attorneys, activists, creators, especially first‑time authors and millennials.

📖 Genres: self‑help, personal growth, dating and relationships, sex and sexuality, alternative wellness and spirituality, humor/satire, American history, biography, politics, culture, sports, pop culture, leadership, reference books, and millennial‑focused nonfiction.

💡Services: outline development and developmental editing (chapter structure and organization); line editing (voice, flow, pacing); copy editing (grammar, style, consistency); coaching sessions (writing); self-publishing strategy and distribution (Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, keywords, categories, etc.); query letter and book proposal editing and submissions for traditional publishing.

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

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

The world needs your book. Let’s get started!

Services
Non-Fiction
Business & Management 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 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 target audience. • Write 125+ articles for authors since 2020. • Provide expert quotes to bloggers and journalists. • Work in nonfiction genres including self-help and personal development; dating; sex and relationships; alternative health & wellness; humor; biography; pop culture; politics; business/leadership; 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

100 Things to Hate Before You Die

Stavola, Claudia

Unchained Press

Apologize: Advanced Techniques

Whisperer, The Husband

Independently published

Eat Raw and Go Naked: A Recipe for Vibrant Living

Robinson, Kenny W

Soulful Nourishment Publications

In Their Own Words: Pivotal Players of the Cuban Missile Crisis

Pujol, Rev. Christopher James

Christopher J. Pujol

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

Failing Forward: Turning Setbacks into Success

Lockridge, Brian

Lockridge Publishing Company

Daniel J. has 24 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

L H.

L H.

Apr, 2026

Pinned
Daniel was absolutely phenomenal! His attention to detail was extraordinary, and he went above and beyond to answer questions and deliver stellar edits. We thoroughly enjoyed working with him and feel that he significantly elevated our manuscript. He is collaborative, upbeat, thorough, incredibly...
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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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Jodi B.

Jodi B.

Sep, 2026

Working with Daniel was a total game changer for my book in the very best way. He is beyond talented with all the fancy editing I know nothing about, was also incredibly kind working with this first time writer, and also made the very scary process a lot of fun. Daniel kept my tone as “me”, but m...
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Sarah V.

Sarah V.

Sep, 2026

Could not recommend Daniel enough. He was offering me advice and recommendations before I even hired him...trust me when I say, he is passionate about his job and the books he takes on. He took the highest care and detail in helping edit my first manuscript that I could have hoped for. It felt li...
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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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