Louis Dzierzak

Crafting Words Since 1997


Books

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.

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.
— TB

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.

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Published Works


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.


A person is holding a red pen above an open spiral notebook with blank pages, on a wooden table.

“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

A hand holding an open book in front of a misty mountain landscape with cloudy sky and green trees.

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

Desk with a keyboard, a spiral notebook, a pen, a printed page with handwritten text, and a computer monitor in the background.

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

Close-up of a smiling Louis with glasses, a beard, and a wide-brimmed hat, outdoors with green foliage in the background, wearing a gray and yellow jacket.
A gold seal badge with a black mountain silhouette and the text "NOBA" and "Outdoor Book Award" around the edges, indicating a winning designation.

Let’s Stay in Touch

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Have questions about upcoming releases, bulk orders, or speaking engagements? Reach out today and let’s start a conversation.