From The Green Notebook How To Tell A Good War Story with Randy Surles
Randy Surles—retired Army Ranger and Green Beret turned editor, ghostwriter, and Story Grid-certified book coach—joins Joe to talk directly to veterans who feel called to tell their story but don’t know where to start.
After 25 years in Special Operations, Randy transitioned from the military to the writing world, studying under Shawn Coyne and helping dozens of veterans turn their experiences into memoirs, leadership books, and fiction. Along the way, he’s seen what works—and what doesn’t.
Joe reflects on his own year-and-a-half journey working with Randy on his forthcoming book—including the uncomfortable but necessary process of clarifying the message, identifying the right reader, and moving beyond “I just want to write a book” to “Here’s who this is for.”
Randy explains why most military memoirs never gain traction, why writing “for everyone” is the fastest way to reach no one, and how to identify the single reader you’re actually trying to serve. He also breaks down the realities of publishing—from traditional deals to hybrid models to self-publishing—and why marketing is often harder than writing.
Watch the full interview on YouTube!
Joe and Randy also discuss:
- How the Hero’s Journey mirrors a military career
- The power of identifying your single audience member (SAM)
- Why most books sell fewer than 500 copies
- What veterans misunderstand about traditional publishing
- The truth about hybrid publishers and upfront costs
- Why building an email list may matter more than social media followers
- How writing 600–700 words a week can turn into a finished book
- Why accountability (even the annoying kind) makes the difference
Whether you’re transitioning out, reflecting on your career, or feeling the quiet pull to capture your experiences before they fade, this episode offers a practical roadmap—and a reality check—for veterans who want to turn their story into something that serves others. Also, check out Randy's website: Militaryeditor.com
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