Hi! I’m glad you’re here.

I’m Daniel Tortora, nonfiction authors’ secret weapon. 🥷

For over a decade, I have shown authors and publishers how to improve and publish promising book manuscripts.

The amazing authors I work with are content creators, coaches, therapists, comedians, attorneys, historians, and educators (along with some highly motivated others) who . . .

• aim to inform, inspire, or entertain while sharing something meaningful with the world

• are dedicated to creating high-quality books that are meant to be enjoyed and appreciated by many

• seek out detailed, insightful feedback and value personalized guidance and direction

• are motivated by a deeper purpose than just “getting the book out there”

But they know it’s far too time-consuming, overwhelming, and downright impossible to tackle the publishing process alone. And honestly—who wants to face it solo, anyway?

Remember that Tom Hanks movie with the volleyball on the stranded island? Not exactly your idea of fun, I’m guessing!

I love hearing from authors about how much I’ve helped them along the way. They often share how excited, empowered, and inspired they felt along the way.

Guiding authors to navigate the publishing process and make their books stand out is what I do best. Watching their hard work make waves in the publishing world is incredibly rewarding.

My clients have earned glowing reviews in The Wall Street Journal, achieved #1 New Release status on Amazon, and won countless awards. They’ve booked interviews, landed speaking gigs, and seized exciting opportunities. One author even received 200 Amazon reader reviews within weeks of publication! Many of my clients go on to write multiple books—and keep coming back to work with me again and again.

The authors I work with are seeking a partner who can empower them to write better, navigate the publishing landscape strategically, and reach their audience effectively.

They deserve someone who not only refines their words but also champions their vision, offering unwavering support and genuine care throughout their creative journey.

Let’s work together.

Here’s what I offer:

Nonfiction Book Editing and Coaching Services

My Story

My passion for history, reading, book publishing, and helping writers has led me to where I am today: as the book coach and editor trusted by dozens of authors each year.

I spent a lot of time at the library as a kid. I was all about the summer reading challenges and the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! program. When I went to the mall, I wasn’t just at Spencer’s, Champs Sports, and the food court; I was in Borders and Waldenbooks. And there was a time when I was reading and pretty much never left the sofa—after breaking my leg twice in the awful nine months that was sixth grade.

Books have kinda always been my jam. (Other than that, my favorite kind of jam is seedless raspberry! My grandpa made the best raspberry jam.)

In college and in my 20s, inspired by his adventures in the 1940s—when he traveled across the USA twice—and his storytelling skills, I pursued an interest in US history.

A trip to Charleston, South Carolina led to a college history degree, many happy years in graduate school with inspiring professors, then time teaching, advising, and mentoring college students.

I was known for my enthusiasm and my ability to transform people’s writing skills.

I wrote two successful books and read, reviewed, and edited dozens more and enjoyed it immensely.

People would always ask me, “How did you do it?” “How can I do it?” And I was able to help them!

That felt great. I uncovered secrets I needed to share. I learned valuable lessons along the way.

I loved nonfiction writing and nonfiction books—and one-on-one work.

So I began working with authors full-time in 2017. I couldn’t (and still can’t) imagine doing anything else.

With a passion for engaging and readable nonfiction books and a keen eye for detail, I love guiding authors like you in fine-tuning and publishing books that readers rave about.

Seeing you better informed, beaming with pride, and buoyed with hope for the future is what fuels me.

You probably guessed it: I’m usually editing nonfiction books, helping authors get published, working with them on their book marketing plans, or creating and updating my courses and digital downloads for authors. Over the years, I’ve written 100+ articles on various aspects of writing, publishing, and book marketing, edited millions of words, and guided dozens of authors.

Some days, I’m dusting off old books or squinting at scanned documents, lost in studying early American and Indigenous/American Indian history (more on that later). And I’m always doing the typical stuff an entrepreneur does—something I was inspired to do by Shark Tank!

Other than that, I’m outside getting some fresh air (and I try to do that just about every day). When I’m not working, I’m listening to podcasts or watching documentaries or out looking for cover bands, classic cars, comfort food, and hand-crafted chocolates.

The History Stuff / Historian Daniel J. Tortora

If you enjoy early American history and that’s what brought you to this page,

I read, research, and publish in these areas:

• American history (late Colonial and Revolutionary War eras)
• eighteenth-century South Carolina
• Native American history (aka American Indian/Indigenous history) (New England and the South)

Check out my history books and articles—

It’ll hopefully stir your imagination and give you new insight—or something you can tell your friends about.

I am the author of two traditionally published books: Fort Halifax and George C. Rogers Jr. Award–winner Carolina in Crisis.

I am currently working on new articles and books.

On my vita is a PhD from Duke University, where my advisor and mentor was a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian.

I have taught at Duke University and Colby College.

I’ve racked up 60+ public speaking credits and several published articles, and I’m often quoted by journalists, bloggers, and historians. I have reviewed and edited journal articles and publications for historical societies and organizations, including, most recently, SC250.

Thanks for letting me share my love for history with you. I appreciate your support.

 Fun Facts

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