Manuscript Consultant
I may be an author, but my roots are in editing.
I bring my publishing knowledge, my journalism background, and my experiences as a copy editor,
managing editor, and developmental editor to every project I take on.
I understand what it's like to receive feedback, which makes me uniquely positioned to offer editorial services
geared toward writers. My approach is encouraging, supportive, and realistic. I won't shy away from those big (and little) picture notes that will strengthen the manuscript. But my understanding of the marketplace, agents, and editors will give you the reassurance you need to move forward with confidence.
Full and partial manuscript edits: developmental, line editing, and copyediting services offered.
Query letter, synopsis, first chapter edits: get ready for submission with my expertise.
The agent search: Unsure how to query? Confused when the offers come in? I offer consulting services to walk you through the process.
Book coaching: Need help plotting, brainstorming, with character profiles, accountability? I'm here to guide you the process of planning and committing to your project with achievable goals and deadlines.
Best suited for adult, YA, and MG, all genres.
Instructor and Leader of
Writing Retreats
Think while standing up, type while sitting down.
This is the adage that guides my own creative writing and is the aim of my Think Write programs.
As a novelist with six traditionally published novels and a creative writing instructor for the past ten years, I've come to see a need for building a writing community. As writers, we may do that typing solo, but we don't have to do that thinking alone.
From craft lectures and workshops to group to writing retreats with my partner, Emily Miles Terry, my programs encourage writers to not only foster their learning and commit to their writing, but to also find their "writing people." From a single critique partner to an accountability cheerleader, my goal is to bring writers together. I have a direct and practical approach to the writing process that I bring to all my workshops.
One of my most popular classes is my Triple A: Accountability, Advice, and Accomplices.
For eight weeks, we will work together to embody the Triple A's:
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Accountability, that’s you! Hold yourself accountable and commit yourself to your writing.
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Advice, that’s me! I’ll bring my experience as a published author and experienced instructor to answer writing and industry questions, guide craft discussion, and lead group writing and workshopping sessions.
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Accomplices, that’s all of you! As a group, you will begin to form a bond. Brainstorming partners, critique partners, accountability partners, if you are looking for some or all of that, then this course is for you. I will help facilitate matchups for those looking for writing partners outside and beyond class.
Class Requirements:
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One-hour per week live, remote meeting with instructor. Each week will be a little different, with a mix of group Q&A, brainstorming, and craft discussion. Time TBD based on group consensus prior to class start.
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One-hour per week live, remote sprinting meeting without the instructor. Time TBD based on group consensus prior to class start.
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Weekly encouragement and accountability emails from Lori.
Who’s It For?
Writers at all levels who are working on fiction of any genre, memoir, or narrative nonfiction.
When?
8 weeks, Time TBD based on schedules of all signed up, ongoing enrollment, via Zoom.
Note: This course will be offered on a rolling basis. To sign up for the next round or join the wait list for future sessions, contact Lori.
Cost?
$375 for 8 weeks. Includes 15-minute personal coaching at class start and a 30-minute at the conclusion.
Sign up by sending me an email me directly.
Other Think Write Classes
A sampling of my other courses: Nine-Month Write Your Novel with Me Workshop; Six-Month Revision Workshop; Opening Pages: Hook and Heft; Scene Structure; Query and Synopsis Workshop.
Inquire by sending me an email me directly.
“I can’t say enough good things about Lori’s instruction and have recommended her classes to all of my aspiring writer friends. The class truly gave me the tools and confidence to move forward with my writing.” –Lisa Q. “Lori’s energy, expertise, and ability to keep everything organized is wonderful.” –Traer S. “Lori’s classes are the best! I’ve taken quite a few now and each has equipped me with amazingly helpful craft tools that have greatly improved my writing, and her fun, supportive workshops and personal feedback always provide invaluable insights to guide my revisions. Highly recommended!” –Devi S. “One of my all-time favorite writing instructors. I’ve taken multiple courses with Lori and found her to be an incredibly effective mentor. She provides tons of useful information and warm, constructive feedback on all aspects of writing.” –Ann C. “Lori's class helped me get organized!! I walked away with really practical and well explained methods to apply to all stages of writing my book!” –Paige K.
Cape Cod
Writing Retreat
Email to sign up for February 2026.
Spots sell out fast!
Community ⇔ Commitment
The Think Write Winter Writing Retreat is a cozy respite in the height of the New England winter. The weekend offers a private space to commit to your writing within a supportive community. Hosted by author, editor, and creative writing instructor Lori Gold, this Cape Cod-based retreat takes place in a charming seaside inn with views of quaint Woods Hole. Designed for creatives of all kinds, all you need to bring is a commitment to write and connect with fellow writers. We aim to foster your creativity and your community by helping you “find your writing people.”
Please join us for an inspiring weekend writing retreat at the charming Woods Hole Inn on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Connect with and write side by side an intimate group of committed writers and faculty. Participate in craft and industry chats, set and meet your weekend writing goals, and enjoy delicious, warm meals in a casual, communal setting. Attend evening gatherings where you can share your own writing for encouragement and support or simply listen to the work of your peers.
Give yourself the gift of writing for one special weekend. Let us pamper you by doing all the cooking and cleaning, freeing you to concentrate on what you love: writing! With all activities, charming coffee shops, and ocean views within easy walking distance, you can leave behind your driving gloves!
Fiction? Non-fiction? Memoir? Screenplay?
All creatives are welcome. To ensure a committed group, an application with writing sample is required. Writers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels are encouraged to apply. Space is limited.
What’s Included?
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Two (2) nights lodging at the Woods Hole Inn
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Daily writing time in cozy spaces with other committed writers like you
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Small group meetings with Lori Gold to talk specifically about your project
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Meetings with marketing and publicity expert Emily Miles Terry to discuss how to position yourself as an author both pre- and post-publication
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Tips and tricks from the screenwriting arsenal of Hollywood insider P.K. Simonds, executive producer of Party of Five, Ghost Whisperer, and more.
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Wine, beer, cider, and delicious meals with attending writers and faculty
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Craft discussions and opportunities to share pages with writers and faculty
Who Will Be There?
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Writers from all backgrounds, at all levels
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Writers in every category from nonfiction to memoir to adult fiction to kidlit
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Writers looking to meet, connect, and exchange ideas with a community of committed creatives
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Writers who are drafting or revising a project
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Writers needing a retreat away from their other professional and personal obligations to focus, recharge, or meet a deadline
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Writers seeking professional advice and guidance on craft and industry issues
Where Is It?
Woods Hole Inn, Woods Hole, Cape Cod
The Woods Hole Inn is located in a small village surrounded by water. The inn has a unique location overlooking Woods Hole harbor and the Martha’s Vineyard ferry terminal. This Cape Cod bed and breakfast was named one of the top ten in the United States by BedandBreakfast.com.
Woods Hole is 80 miles south of Boston’s Logan International Airport. Providence’s TF Green Airport is 70 miles to the West. Buses run regularly from both airports to Woods Hole. Buses also run from Boston’s South Station as well as other departure locations. The bus terminal in Woods Hole is less than a two-minute walk from the inn. Free parking at the inn.
Cost:
Pricing includes lodging for two nights, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all-day snacks and beverages, evening beer and wine, all programming. Cost varies depending on room type, from $1450-$1650. For pricing and to sign up guidelines, email directly.