Unleash the Words
It’s time to unleash the words, tell your story, and share your expertise with the world.
As Durango’s professional book editor and writing coach, I’ll give you the tools to look good on paper . . . every time.
With collaborative editing and coaching services, you’ll find exactly what you need to communicate clearly with your reader.
Click on the icons below to learn more.
Meet The Durango Wordsmith
Writer | Collaborator | River Rat | Editor | Teacher | Snowboarder | Reader | Coach | Hiker | Baker | Barista | Wordsmith
Fiction, Nonfiction, & Memoir
Whether you are trying to organize your thoughts for your new book, looking for an outside perspective or new ideas, or hoping to strengthen your storyline and voice, I can help.
As a writing coach, developmental editor, line editor, and ghostwriter, I can help you find the words to tell your story and share your expertise with the world.


Young Adult (YA) Books
Let’s face it: writing for teens and young adults presents an array of challenges. Not only does the content need to be engaging, but it also needs to be written at a level that is appropriate for the audience.
As a former teacher, I can help you find the words to reach your readers—no matter their age.
Children's Books
There is no better way to touch a child’s heart and shape their future than through a memorable book.
As a former teacher and full-time children’s book editor and writing coach, I can help you sculpt your message in a way that speaks to the youngest readers.

A Few of the Books I've Worked On . . .
From memoirs to mysteries, journals to children's picture books . . . I just love helping authors find the words to share their stories with the world.
The Writing Coach,
Editing, and Ghostwriting Process
When it comes to writing, coaching, or editing, collaboration is the key to success!

Personal Touch
Every successful partnership begins with a strong working relationship. Before beginning any coaching, editing, or ghostwriting project, I spend time getting to know you.
LEARN MORE
Your Voice
Your voice needs to be heard. It is my goal to strengthen your voice and clarify your message, so you can share your story with the world. I spend time listening and getting to know you to make this happen.
LEARN MORE
Your Audience
Your audience is the other half of the writing conversation. Together, we'll analyze your audience/readers to determine the best way to reach them with your words.
LEARN MORE
Editing, Writing, & Coaching
We will work together to create a message that shows your expertise and speaks directly to your readers.
LEARN MOREWriting Tips, Tricks, and Resources
Check out my blog for editing and writing tips and tricks . . . and anything else that pops into my mind.
-
Tuesdays from Durango —January 12, 2021 Good morning from Durango! This is Laura, with Lakota. I am The Durango Wordsmith. I hope that you are having a beautiful day today. I wanted to give you a little writing tip or advice.
-
Don’t try to proofread your own book! Yes, I know it’s tempting. Paying a proofreader is expensive. However, nothing makes you look more unprofessional than extra spaces before periods, random capitalizations, and more. When we write, coach, or developmental edit a book, we
-
Good morning. I am Laura Ritz. I am The Durango Wordsmith. I am a writing coach, professional book editor and ghostwriter, and I am coming to you from the San Juan mountains of Durango, Colorado. I was an educator for
-
“Can you use a “light touch” when you edit this?” I get this question frequently. The answer is YES! ABSOLUTLEY!! In a light touch edit, the editor uses as light a touch as possible when working with a text. There are