Celebrating Josh Lanyon
From reluctant sleuths to seaside mysteries, bestselling indie author Josh Lanyon has spent over two decades crafting twisty, character-driven stories that blend classic whodunits with complicated relationships—and a healthy dose of charm.
In this special guest post, Josh reflects on building a writing career “in the margins,” the evolution of indie publishing, and how B&N Press has helped connect her unique brand of mystery and romance with readers everywhere…
Making a Career in the Margins
A Guest Post by Josh Lanyon
Finding Space Outside the Mainstream
When I first started writing professionally—more years ago than I care to admit—there were very few options for authors writing outside the mainstream. I was writing gay mystery and romantic suspense at a time when the traditional publishing world was still debating whether queer characters were “marketable” outside of niche literary presses. I knew what I wanted to write. What I didn’t know was whether there would be an audience for it.
As it turns out, there was—and they were open to trying something new.
Over the years, I built a loyal readership by combining two of my lifelong passions—classic mystery fiction and emotionally real, complicated relationships between men. That meant taking some unconventional routes in publishing. I was releasing my work in eBooks when eBooks weren’t cool. In fact, being “indie” wasn’t a brand when I started—it was a necessity.
I released my first book (we’ll skip over that Harlequin romance I wrote right after college) with a small British press in 2000 and began self-publishing seriously a few years later. Since then, I’ve published over a hundred titles, many under my own imprint, working with a rotating cast of innovative publishers as well as brilliant editors, artists, and translators. Along the way, I’ve watched the entire industry evolve—sometimes troublingly, sometimes brilliantly toward greater inclusivity, accessibility, and flexibility for authors.
Why Wide Distribution Matters
Which brings me to Barnes & Noble…
I’ve always believed in wide distribution. While Amazon is often the first stop for many readers, it was important to me that my work be available in as many spaces as possible—especially ones that supported indie authors. B&N Press was one of the earliest platforms I trusted to help me get my books into the hands of readers who preferred Nook or print editions. Over time, they’ve become more than just a vendor—they’re a real partner in helping indie authors find their audience.
Programs like this month’s Buy One, Get One promotion? That kind of visibility can make a huge difference. As a full-time indie author, I don’t have the weight of a corporate marketing department behind me. My books find new readers through word of mouth, reviews, and curated opportunities like this one. And yes, I still get a thrill seeing my books featured on Barnes & Noble’s homepage. That used to be a dream when I was starting out.
What Has Changed—And What Never Will
It’s also a reminder of how much has changed (manual typewriters?) and how much (characters readers can relate to) remains the same. Publishing today is both easier and more challenging. There are fewer gatekeepers, but far more competition. It’s no longer enough to just write a good book (although that’s always the start). You have to wear a dozen hats—author, marketer, art director, publisher, accountant—and somehow still find time to write.
And I’m still writing. I’m still chasing the stories that intrigue me: the ones with secrets and shadows, reluctant sleuths, coastal towns with bodies in the dunes or skeletons in the closet. I’m still blending mystery, romance, and the occasional art heist. I can’t imagine a time when I won’t wake up thinking about what I’m going to write that day. I still get an incredible amount of joy from watching readers fall in love with characters who, once upon a time, might have been considered “too niche.”
A Career Built with Readers
So yes, indie publishing has given me freedom. But platforms like B&N Press have given me reach—and, just as importantly, credibility. There’s something powerful about being able to tell a reader: “Yes, you can order my books at your local Barnes & Noble.” That used to feel like a pipe dream. Now it’s a click away.
This month, three of my most popular series—The Adrien English Mysteries, Holmes & Moriarity, and Secrets and Scrabble—are part of B&N’s Buy One, Get One promotion. If you’re new to my work, I hope you’ll give one (or all three!) a try. If you’re a longtime reader, thank you for being part of this journey. You made it possible for a niche writer like me to build a career.
Who knows? You might just find your next favorite sleuth during a summer sale.
Want More from Josh Lanyon?
Explore three of Josh’s most beloved series—The Adrien English Mysteries, Holmes & Moriarity, and Secrets and Scrabble—all part of this month’s Buy One, Get One promotion from Barnes & Noble.
It’s the perfect time to discover your next favorite sleuth, whether you love coastal small towns, quirky detectives, or a side of romance with your mystery.
About Josh Lanyon
Josh Lanyon is the author of over 100 gay mystery and romantic suspense titles. A pioneer in LGBTQ+ indie publishing, she has been blending classic whodunits with slow-burn romance for more than two decades. When not writing, she’s probably playing Celtic music, haunting used bookstores, or plotting fictional murders with alarming enthusiasm.
