Bold Strokes Books: A Leading Publisher of LGBTQ+ Fiction

Bold Strokes Books (BSB) is a trailblazing independent publisher dedicated to LGBTQ+ fiction across a wide range of genres. Founded in 2004 by Len Barot, an award-winning author and former surgeon, the company has grown into one of the most respected and prolific publishers of queer literature, offering a platform for diverse voices and stories that celebrate LGBTQ+ experiences.

A Commitment to LGBTQ+ Storytelling

Unlike mainstream publishers that may only release a handful of LGBTQ+ titles per year, Bold Strokes Books focuses exclusively on queer fiction. Their catalog spans:

Romance – Contemporary, historical, and erotic LGBTQ+ love stories.
Mystery & Thriller – Crime fiction featuring queer detectives and protagonists.
Science Fiction & Fantasy – Speculative worlds with LGBTQ+ characters at the forefront.
Young Adult & New Adult – Coming-of-age stories that center LGBTQ+ identity.
General & Literary Fiction – Complex narratives that explore LGBTQ+ lives in depth.

BSB prides itself on publishing authentic and well-crafted stories that provide representation for readers who have historically been underserved by the traditional publishing industry.

Notable Authors and Books

Bold Strokes Books has published works by some of the most recognized names in LGBTQ+ fiction, including:

Radclyffe – A prolific author of lesbian romance and a key figure in queer publishing.
Melissa Brayden – Known for her contemporary romance novels featuring strong female leads.
Carsen Taite – A leading voice in lesbian crime fiction.
Jae – Acclaimed for her historical and contemporary lesbian fiction.

With a growing list of debut and established authors, BSB continues to push boundaries, ensuring that LGBTQ+ readers have access to stories that reflect their experiences.

Publishing Model and Advances

Bold Strokes Books is one of the few independent publishers that offers advances to most of its authors. While the exact figures are not publicly disclosed, the publisher provides royalty-based contracts and ensures its writers receive compensation for their work.

BSB also stands out for its supportive publishing environment, offering editorial guidance, marketing assistance, and strong distribution to ensure books reach a wide audience.

A Strong Community Focus

Beyond publishing books, Bold Strokes Books is deeply engaged in the LGBTQ+ literary community. The company regularly sponsors and participates in LGBTQ+ literary festivals, Pride events, and author panels, fostering a sense of belonging among readers and writers alike.

Their reader-centric approach extends to social media and online communities, where they actively interact with fans and promote discussions about queer literature.

How to Submit to Bold Strokes Books

Unlike many independent publishers that require agent representation, BSB accepts direct submissions from authors. Writers looking to publish with Bold Strokes Books can submit completed manuscripts through their website, provided the work aligns with their focus on LGBTQ+ characters and themes.

Conclusion

Bold Strokes Books is a pioneer in LGBTQ+ publishing, offering an essential platform for queer stories across genres. By providing advances, supporting authors, and actively engaging with the LGBTQ+ literary community, BSB has solidified its reputation as one of the most influential publishers dedicated to queer fiction. For readers seeking diverse, authentic, and compelling LGBTQ+ narratives, Bold Strokes Books remains a standout choice.