Making the Write Connection

By Alexandra Zendrian

Doriana R. Fontanella knows that words matter—especially when making a first impression.

The retired wills, trusts, and estates attorney catches typos, missing punctuation, and spelling mistakes in blog posts, novels, and entrepreneurs’ websites through her business the Write Connection.

She enjoys editing the work of others, because polished writing can help her clients make a strong impression on readers and potential customers.

“You’re helping people fix how they present themselves, improving their grammar, and enhancing their vocabulary,” said Fontanella, who is based in Denver. “Presentation is important.”

She launched the Write Connection in 2014 when she began working with a Denver-area romance writer. Fontanella helped the novelist secure reviews and coverage on blogs popular with romance readers. She got her client’s book into the public library system and the reading rooms of local hotels. She also arranged a book launch and speaking engagements and media interviews for the author.

When Fontanella retired in 2024, after about two decades of practicing law, she decided to turn her side business into a full-time pursuit

“Having been a lawyer, you know how important every word is [in writing,]” she said.

She now works with writers, copyediting their work, penning blog posts, and ghostwriting. She helps self-published authors grammatically tidy up their manuscripts and offers writing services to businesses that need blog posts.

She also works with individuals who would like assistance in composing their memoirs and preserving family stories that can be passed down to future generations.

“I find words so fascinating,” said Fontanella.

Fontanella was raised in the Bronx. She fell in love with classic literature while studying history and philosophy at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, where she earned her bachelor of arts degree. She received her law degree from the University of Notre Dame.

Her biggest grammatical pet peeves are ending sentences in prepositions and using contractions in writing. She is also a fan of the Oxford comma.

“It reads better,” she said of the polarizing last comma used in written lists. “It compartmentalizes certain thoughts better.”