Military Editing

SGM Randy Surles in Afghanistan in 2003, rendering medical attention to an Afghan child.

If you are writing military fiction or non-fiction, finding the right editor who understands the subjects you are talking about can be difficult.

After 30 years serving as a Ranger and Green Beret in the Middle East, Africa, and South America I can offer a unique perspective as both a content editor and someone to bounce ideas off in order to make your story authentic and interesting to your readers.

Military Developmental Editor

You’ve finished your draft! But does your story work? It’s time to find out with a developmental edit.

With developmental editing, we will dig into your manuscript and provide you with detailed feedback on what is working, what isn’t, and suggestions about what to do next.

Military Book Coach

You don’t have to wander through your writing journey alone. Let a military book coach guide you.

With book coaching, we come alongside you, providing you with continuing support and feedback as you plan, write, and revise your novel.

Military Ghostwriter and Memoir Writer

Do you have an idea for a non-fiction book or professional knowledge and experience you want to share with the world, but lack the time or experience to write a book?

If so, then you’re probably in need of a ghostwriter. With ghostwriting, you provide the ideas and expertise, and we will transform it all into a book you can be proud of. Whether you are looking for someone to write your memoir, an informative how-to, or an inspirational parable, we can help you.

CEO of Story Grid, Tim Grahl, interviews NYT bestselling author Scott Mann and his editor Randall Surles.

To Retired SGM Randy Surles, whose work on this project cannot be overstated. You were at my shoulder every step of the way: writing, editing, troubleshooting. The Story Grid ought to be damn proud of what you brought to the party. Any warrior contemplating writing a book should make their first call to Randy Surles.

From the acknowledgements page in NYT Bestseller Operation Pineapple Express by Scott Mann

“Randy is a quiet professional. His imagination is limitless, but he constrains it with a rigorous writing and editing process that is a proven model for success. I set out to write a story that was layered and complex, but still with room for the reader to set off on their own journey. Without Randy guiding me each step of the way, it would have gone off the rails. Every single recommendation he gave was spot on and I couldn’t be more grateful for his honesty, integrity, and creativity.”

Jeff Tiegs, author of Where Have All the Heroes Gone?

Randy and Laura were fast, efficient, and gave me useful feedback.  They were friendly, easy to work with, and when they showed me what didn’t work in the story, I didn’t feel like I was being berated for being a bad writer, nor did I feel like he was trying to show off that he knew more than I did about story writing – a problem I’ve consistently found with unprofessional’s giving me feedback on my writing.  I left our last session excited to work on my story, not burdened with having so much to fix.  The clear goal I have for my story is thanks to their help and I don’t know if I would have found it without them.  I’m seriously thinking of using their developmental editing services to develop my writing even more.

K. Pimpinella, author of The Time Ranger series (Nexus Point and Burning Man)

Randy and Laura were fun to work with. As an author who had primarily written technical material before this project, I struggled to write clearly to people outside my field. Randy and Laura helped me improve my ability to communicate with a broader audience. I definitely recommend their services to other transitioning military personnel looking to write to a civilian audience.

Working with Randy and Laura has been a humbling experience in the most positive way. I cannot recommend them enough. If you struggle with the outline like I do, they are a great resource to bounce ideas off of. Five/five.

Dan Pace, Author of It Was What It Was

To find out if our advice can help you write your best book, we offer a free discovery call for full-length manuscripts. Request yours today!


How Can We Help You Write Your Best Book?

Book Coaching

Do you want someone to come along side you as you write, providing you with continuing support and feedback as you plan, write, or revise your novel?

Developmental Editing

Do you have a completed manuscript in need of a deep read by a professional who will provide you with detailed feedback, suggestions, and a clear way forward?

Do you have an idea for a book or professional knowledge and experience you want to share with the world, but lack the time or experience to write a book?