Testimonials
The Story Ninjas helped me take my vision from ‘Cool idea’ to finished novel. Not only did they show me how to craft my story into an enjoyable read, but also advised me on how to navigate the entire publishing process. Without them, my book would never have become a reality.
“I had an idea for an inspiring story — basically a parable — that could really make a difference in people’s lives. A good friend told me about Randy Surles because he had worked with him as a certified StoryGrid editor. I didn’t want to write a good story. I wanted to write a great story. I’m happy to say that working with Randy and Laura was a Godsend. They are highly skilled in story structure and know how to build characters and create a story flow that is inspiring and educational; then they wrap it up into a captivating story that you don’t want to end. But when it does end, you walk away with greater insights and inspiration to bring into your own life. I’m happy to recommend Randy and Laura for anyone looking to tell a powerful story that is both fun to read and makes a difference in how you think.”
Rich Fettke – Author of Extreme Success and The Wise Investor
To 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.
From the acknowledgments in Operation Pineapple Express by New York Bestselling Author Scott Mann.
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.
“Working with Randy has been awesome. He’s willing to roll around in the muck to find the important threads, and holds the light to keep you on the path.”
I will never forget that day: the day I sat in front of my computer with my finished manuscript in front of me, and a website for authors to find an agent or publisher. I had been on the hunt for over a year, with no results, not even a ray of hope, and felt nothing but frustration and despair. And then my partner, who never stopped believing in the worth of my story, suddenly had an idea: he suggested I contact his niece who is a writer/author and ask for her help.
And that’s when my book launched onto a different path, a hopeful path, a path to The Story Ninjas. My partner’s niece suggested I contact Randy and Laura, and from there, it was like a gateway opened to immense possibilities and success after success. After a zoom meeting and their willingness to developmentally edit my story, I was on a roll. They taught me the 5 Commandments of a scene, a technique of writing that kept me awake at night. My writing style took off like a kite. Three drafts later, Randy suggested I contact Reedsy, to find a copy editor. More than five of them loved my story and bid to work with me. After choosing one of them, my story is now professionally copy edited and formatted, thanks to Randy and his ongoing support and guidance. And that’s not all. He then suggested I contact a book cover company in Ukraine (of all places!). Ten revisions later, my book is now ready to publish. From despair to hope, from stagnancy to a story alive and well and ready to share, I am forever thankful to The Story Ninjas. I highly recommend their services!
Dawn E Neill Author of RESCUED: A Young Mother’s Memoir of Survival on Newfoundland’s Forgotten Coast
“Randy and Laura were phenomenal in their handling of my story. I gave them a pile of words that weren’t working and they steered it in the right direction to be a story I am now immensely proud of. They didn’t only fix the book, but they fixed me. I am now a much better author for using them on this first book in my series, and armed with their insights, I now feel confident in applying those skills to all future books in the series. Thank you guys!”
Cam Walker; author of Contrail Conspiracy, a Kate Barrett Thriller
Are Randy and Laura good value for money? Let me share my experience.
I am a first time author with no prior experience. I sent my first draft in to them. They looked at it. Did their work and sent it back. I finished a two-hour zoom call to go through their report and discuss what to do now. I was devastated (I think this is normal for first time writers) but in a good way.
Finding a good editor seems more akin to finding a good doctor when you have a problem than anything else. I need to trust the doctor enough to follow his or her advice, otherwise, if nothing changes after the consultation, I might as well not have gone. The paramount quality here is competence. The doctor must be good at his or her job, able to nail the diagnosis and tell me what’s wrong and know what to do about it to make it better. If this technical proficiency is absent, there is no point.
Randy and Laura have this in spades.
To paraphrase a good friend, “Praise from an enemy and criticism from a friend is to be valued above all else.”
Competence and quality. Not just to identify problems but how to fix them. Like how a doctor should fix medical issues. Clinically, systematically, directly. No molly-coddling or sugar-coating. Getting to the point quickly, efficiently, professionally. No waffling on about irrelevent stuff.
Thankfully their bedside manner is wonderful too – that’s a bonus, but I would be more than happy with the competence alone.
If you want real help in writing your book, contact Randy and Laura.
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!
“Randy and Laura are a quiet professional. Their 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 and Laura guiding me each step of the way, it would have gone off the rails. Every single recommendation they gave was spot on and I couldn’t be more grateful for their honesty, integrity, and creativity.”
“Randy Surles was fast, efficient, and gave me useful feedback. He was friendly, easy to work with, and when he 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 Randy’s help and I don’t know if I would have found it without his help. I’m seriously thinking of using his developmental editing services to develop my writing even more.”
K. Pimpinella, Author of Nexus Point and Burning Man, from the Time Ranger series
Randy exceeded my expectations. The level of detail and analysis he provided me was tremendously helpful. He digested my manuscript so thoroughly that he was able to give me unique observations and suggestions that will enable me to greatly improve the story. In addition, he provided me a host of references and resources to better understand the writing process and my genre. I can’t recommend him enough.
I learnt so much from working with Randall – his editorial insight transformed my rewrite.
Writing my second non-fiction book I was looking for editorial support at both the structural level and for individual stories. Randall’s insight guided the rewrite, showing me and my co-author what areas needed work and offering support and guidance on how to approach it. He was a joy to work with, robust feedback shared with humour and expertise. I recommend him highly.
You all set me on the correct path and gave me honest criticism of my manuscript.
Sig. Alexander, Author of Under the Sky
How Can We Help You Write Your Best Book?
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?
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?
The Story Ninjas 