👩🏫 EDITOR HOUR: Ask Me Anything w/ Action, Thrillers & Military Editor Randy Surles
** This is a LIVE session and will not be recorded. **
Curious about what it takes to get published?
Editor Hours is your chance to connect directly with top industry professionals and ask burning questions—all in a lively, interactive session designed to help you get one step closer to publication.
This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Randy Surles.
Submit questions about:
Authenticity in Military Fiction – How can writers ensure that military tactics, terminology, and hierarchy are portrayed accurately in action and thriller novels
Writing Action Scenes – What are the key elements of a compelling action sequence, and how can writers make them feel authentic without overwhelming readers with technical details?
Writing Cross-Genre – How can military themes and action elements be effectively incorporated into fantasy and science fiction stories?
Tropes & Clichés – What action tropes should writers embrace, subvert, or avoid to create fresh and engaging stories?
Working with an Editor – What should writers expect when working with an editor, and how can they prepare their manuscript to get the most out of the editing process?
Key Topics about Military Fiction - Balancing accuracy with storytelling, What to tell and what to show, using Military terminology/ equipment names, doing research
Key Topics about Military Memoir (Non-fiction) - Working with Veterans and realistic expectations of publishing, Common challenges working with Veterans - PTSD, age, memory loss, Publishing and Marketing Expectations for Military Memoirs
Even if your question isn’t answered directly, you’ll gain invaluable insights from hearing Randy share his expertise and break down the publishing process.
How It Works
1️⃣ Submit Your Questions: Ticket holders will receive instructions on submitting questions upon purchase.
2️⃣ Show Up Live: Join us on Zoom for a 60-minute, ask-me-anything-style session.
3️⃣ Listen & Learn: Watch Randy answer questions, share insider advice, and offer live feedback.
⚠️ Please note: While we aim to address as many submissions as possible, attendance and ticket purchase does not guarantee feedback. Priority feedback goes to London Writers’ Salon members (Silver and Gold). If time permits, we will turn to questions from ticketed attendees.
Perks for Gold Members 🏆
Priority Feedback: Gold members’ questions and query letters will be addressed first.
Recorded Insights: Can’t make it live? Gold members can submit their questions in advance and receive a private recording.
👉 Not a Gold member yet? Find out more about Gold Membership here.
🎟️ Limited tickets available for non-members. Secure your spot now!
About Randy Surles
Randy Surles specializes as a military editor, and in the action and thriller Genres. With his 30 years of special operations experience, he is an invaluable resource for ensuring accuracy of military components in novels.
SGM Randall Surles (Ret.) served for nearly 32 years in the Army as an infantryman in the 75th Ranger Regiment, where he parachuted into Panama during Operation Just Cause. He then served over 20 years as a Green Beret in various positions, specializing in medicine, weapons, tactics, and intelligence.
While still serving on active duty, Randy completed his BA in U.S. History from Campbell University and his MFA in Creative Writing from The University of Texas at El Paso. After retiring, Randall Surles trained under editor Shawn Coyne to become one of a handful of Story Grid Certified Editors. He currently works as a Podcaster, Developmental Editor, Book Coach, Ghostwriter, and Author. He specializes in editing military fiction and non-fiction books, but also enjoys editing/ writing Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Thrillers.
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