Bold Strokes Books
- Mar 14
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 8
Founded in 2004 by author Len Barot, Bold Strokes Books (BSB) has become one of the most prolific independent publishers dedicated exclusively to LGBTQ+ fiction. With dozens of new titles released annually across romance, mystery, speculative fiction, young adult, and literary fiction, BSB provides authentic representation for queer readers worldwide. The press is home to award-winning authors like Radclyffe, Melissa Brayden, Carsen Taite, and Jae, while also supporting debut voices. Known for fair contracts, advances, strong distribution, and deep engagement with the LGBTQ+ community, Bold Strokes Books is both a publishing house and a cultural institution. Aspiring authors can submit manuscripts directly through BSB’s online portal, making it one of the most accessible avenues for queer writers in today’s market.
Bold Strokes Books: Leading Publisher and Advocate for LGBTQ+ Fiction
Bold Strokes Books (BSB) is one of the largest and most influential independent publishers dedicated entirely to LGBTQ+ fiction. Founded in 2004 by Len Barot—an award-winning author (writing as Radclyffe) and former surgeon—the press has grown from a small, mission-driven house into a prolific publisher with hundreds of titles in print and a global readership. BSB’s work has been central to expanding queer representation in publishing, creating opportunities for authors and stories that mainstream houses often overlooked.
A Commitment to LGBTQ+ Storytelling
Unlike mainstream publishers that might release only a handful of queer titles per year, Bold Strokes Books has made LGBTQ+ fiction its sole focus. Each year, the press publishes dozens of original titles, ensuring that queer readers have consistent access to stories across multiple genres and styles. This steady output has positioned BSB as one of the most prolific LGBTQ+ publishers in the world, with a backlist that now includes hundreds of novels spanning nearly two decades of work.
Romance — From sweet contemporary romances to sweeping historical love stories and bold erotic fiction, BSB is a cornerstone of queer romance publishing. Authors such as Radclyffe and Karin Kallmaker have become household names within the genre, with their works often topping queer romance bestseller lists.
Mystery and Thriller — Crime fiction and suspense titles put queer protagonists at the center of the action, moving beyond stereotypes to deliver stories where identity is integral but not limiting. Works like Katherine V. Forrest’s Kate Delafield series have become classics in lesbian detective fiction.
Science Fiction and Fantasy — Bold Strokes publishes speculative fiction where queer characters are not background figures but central heroes driving the narrative. These books often explore themes of identity, justice, and power in richly imagined worlds.
Young Adult and New Adult — BSB has been a vital platform for coming-of-age stories that address first love, self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating identity during adolescence and early adulthood. These novels resonate with younger readers hungry for authentic representation.
General and Literary Fiction — Character-driven works delve deeply into LGBTQ+ lives and communities, offering nuanced portrayals that challenge conventions and expand the literary canon.
BSB titles consistently earn recognition from the Lambda Literary Awards, the Golden Crown Literary Society Awards, and other major queer literary institutions. The press’s reputation for authentic, carefully crafted storytelling has made it a trusted brand among LGBTQ+ readers worldwide, many of whom see BSB as providing the representation that mainstream publishing has historically neglected.
By maintaining a catalog dedicated exclusively to queer voices, Bold Strokes Books has grown beyond the role of a publisher into a cultural institution. It has reshaped the literary landscape by ensuring that LGBTQ+ readers see their lives, struggles, and triumphs reflected in stories that are unapologetically their own.
Notable Authors and Books
Over the past two decades, Bold Strokes Books has become a launchpad and long-term home for some of the most influential voices in LGBTQ+ fiction. Its author roster blends established, award-winning writers with emerging talent, ensuring a catalog that is both diverse and continually evolving.
Radclyffe — Founder of BSB and one of the most prolific lesbian romance authors of all time. Writing across medical dramas, romantic series, and standalone novels, Radclyffe’s works such as Honor Series and Justice Series have defined modern lesbian romance and inspired a generation of queer readers.
Melissa Brayden — Acclaimed for her contemporary romances that spotlight dynamic female protagonists navigating love, ambition, and friendship. Novels like Waiting in the Wings and Strawberry Summer have become reader favorites and frequent award winners.
Carsen Taite — A former criminal defense attorney, Taite has carved out a space in lesbian crime and legal thrillers. Her Dallas Law series and standalone suspense novels combine sharp plotting with authentic portrayals of queer characters in high-stakes situations.
Jae — A German-born writer whose historical and contemporary romances, including Backwards to Oregon and Perfect Rhythm, have earned international recognition. Jae’s work has been translated into multiple languages, broadening the global reach of lesbian fiction.
Beyond these flagship authors, BSB continues to cultivate new queer voices, providing a platform for debut writers whose stories might not otherwise find publication in mainstream markets. Its catalog now spans hundreds of titles, many of which have won or been shortlisted for honors such as the Lambda Literary Awards and the Golden Crown Literary Society Awards.
By publishing both beloved veterans and fresh talent, Bold Strokes Books ensures that LGBTQ+ readers have access to stories that authentically reflect their lives, whether through contemporary romance, suspense, speculative fiction, or literary works that challenge convention.
Publishing Model and Advances
Bold Strokes Books is unusual among independent presses for its commitment to offering advances to most of its authors. While figures are not publicly disclosed, advances in the LGBTQ+ independent publishing space typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the project and author profile. These are paired with royalty-based contracts, allowing writers to benefit both from upfront compensation and ongoing earnings as their books find readers. This approach signals BSB’s recognition of authors as creative and professional partners rather than contributors working for exposure alone—a problem that persists in parts of the indie publishing landscape.
What further sets BSB apart is the supportive infrastructure it provides authors. In addition to developmental and copyediting support, the press invests in marketing assistance such as targeted outreach to LGBTQ+ bookstores, online retailers, Pride events, and literary festivals. BSB titles are distributed through Ingram Publisher Services, which ensures placement in major online stores like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, while also keeping books accessible to independent retailers and libraries across North America and internationally.
This combination of fair compensation, editorial collaboration, marketing investment, and strong distribution allows Bold Strokes Books to compete with larger houses while maintaining its specialized focus on LGBTQ+ fiction. For queer authors seeking both representation and reach, BSB has built one of the most reliable and author-centered publishing models in independent literature.
A Strong Community Focus
Bold Strokes Books has built its reputation not only as a publisher but also as an active participant in the LGBTQ+ literary community. The press frequently sponsors and appears at major queer literary festivals, Pride celebrations, and author panels, including events such as the Golden Crown Literary Society Conference (GCLS) and regional Pride book fairs. By maintaining this presence, BSB fosters direct connections between its authors and their audiences, reinforcing its role as both a publisher and a cultural advocate.
The company also invests heavily in reader engagement beyond the page. Its team maintains an active presence on social media platforms, online book clubs, and LGBTQ+ forums, creating spaces where readers can interact with authors, discover new titles, and join broader conversations about queer representation in literature. This reader-first approach has helped BSB cultivate a loyal fanbase that sees the press not only as a source of books but also as a community hub for queer storytelling.
How to Submit to Bold Strokes Books
Bold Strokes Books is open to direct submissions, making it one of the most accessible publishers for LGBTQ+ authors. Writers do not need an agent to be considered. The press primarily acquires completed manuscripts that align with its mission of centering LGBTQ+ characters and themes across genres.
Prospective authors should submit through the official BSB submissions portal, which typically requires:
A query letter summarizing the book’s premise and themes
A full synopsis outlining the plot and character arcs
The completed manuscript in standard format
A short author biography with relevant background or platform details
BSB is especially interested in projects that reflect the diversity of queer experiences, including intersectional perspectives across race, culture, gender identity, and sexuality. For authors writing in romance, mystery, speculative fiction, or literary works that expand the boundaries of queer storytelling, Bold Strokes Books remains one of the most respected and reliable publishing homes in the industry.
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