To make a document using Latex in the standard LIGO DCC format you can use these files:
The first file is the 'class' file that you need and the second one is an example of how to use it. It won't work because its missing some images, but you can get the general idea; feel free to use this as a starting point.
Editors
Emacs is a good editor for Latex. So is LyX for Linux or WinEdt for Windows or Aquamacs or TeXShop for Mac.