Louis Dzierzak
Crafting Words Since 1997
Books
“Few folks know the Boundary Waters as thoroughly as Lou Dzierzak, and those who do don’t write half as well or with such reverence for this unique (and now threatened) wilderness. I’d recommend his two books on the BWCA to anyone looking to dip their paddle blade for their first voyage or their fiftieth. Absolute must-haves.”
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - Western Region
Since 1978, this classic guide—and its companion volume covering the eastern region—has been the trusted resource for navigating the BWCAW, which offers more than 1,000 lakes, 1,200 miles of canoe routes, and 154 miles of portage trails. This updated edition focuses on 27 entry points near Ely, Minnesota, via the Echo Trail, Fernberg Road, and State Highway 1. For each entry point, you’ll find route options for both short and extended trips, with detailed planning information to help you make the most of your time in the wilderness.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - Eastern Region
This updated edition focuses on 28 entry points near Grand Marais, Minnesota, via the Sawbill Trail and the Gunflint Trail. For each entry point, you’ll find route options for both short and extended trips, with detailed planning information to help you make the most of your time in the wilderness.
The Evolution of American Bicycle Racing
From the foreword by Phil Liggett “As you read this excellent book from Louis Dzierzak you will begin to realize that Americans have always played a major role [in bicycle racing] and you will wonder why the World has only begun to hear of its riders’ dominance of a so-called European sport.
Published Works
US Drinking Systems Still Haven’t Defeated This Nasty Parasite
Firefighters Asked for Special Backpacks
How To Make Sure Wildfire Shelters Save Firefighters’ Lives
Restoring ‘Adventure Tested’ Land Rovers
Explosive Charges Protect Backcountry Skiers
Serial 1 Cycle Company: A Startup with a 118-Year-Old Mentor
Rescue Drones Need To Learn How Lost Humans Think
Book Editing
As a development editor, I work with authors providing feedback on early stage manuscripts. Reading from the perspective of the book’s intended readers, I offer thoughts on plot, structure, and character development.
“Lou has been a huge help to me. Drawing on decades of professional experience, insight, and creativity, Lou delivered actionable notes that reshaped how I understood my own story.
His feedback showed me how readers are likely to experience my manuscript, where it could be improved, and offered solutions I hadn’t even considered. His suggestions were thoughtful and unbiased, allowing me to tell my story exactly as I envisioned it—only better.”
-TT
Lou has drawn the best energy out of my own imagination to help me better refine the design of an epic tale that has lived in my mind for decades. Lou's candidly constructive feedback pairs with his indefatigable encouragement to "write-on!" For every endeavor I undertake in the art of crafting my words in longform fiction, I only want Lou as my development editor.
-MM
About
Lou Dzierzak has been a full-time freelance writer since 1997. Much of his writing focuses on the business side of outdoor recreation. He’s published hundreds of articles on marketing trends, product design innovations, environmental sustainability initiatives and retail operations.
On the consumer side, his publishing resume includes titles like Scientific American, Silent Sports, Paddler, Canoe & Kayak, Outside, Gear Junkie, Backpacker, Running Times, Trail Runner, and Cross Country Skier
American Society of Authors and Journalists
Outdoor Writers Association of America
Society of Environmental Journalists
National Association of Science Writers
National Outdoor Book Awards Judge
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