Winter Lion Publishing was born not in a boardroom, but in the quiet hours between life’s demands—in the moments when stories stir and refuse to be forgotten. Founded by Joe Esposito, a lifelong writer and observer, Winter Lion is less a company and more a calling: a publishing home for books that speak truth, stir empathy, and reflect the lived beauty and ache of the human experience.
This is a one-person publishing venture—for now. Joe wears every hat: writer, editor, creative director, and dreamer. With each page, he aims to connect readers not with trends, but with timeless stories. The name Winter Lion reflects both resilience and reflection: winter as a season of pause and introspection; the lion as quiet strength and enduring voice.
Winter Lion Publishing’s mission is to publish soulful fiction that lives in the in-between—between joy and sorrow, memory and moment, solitude and connection. It champions work that is deeply personal, quietly powerful, and grounded in emotional honesty.
Though the path is independent, the vision is expansive. As the press grows, so will its reach—offering future opportunities to authors whose voices align with its spirit.
This isn’t just about printing books. It’s about telling stories that matter—and doing so with integrity, intention, and heart.
About Joe Esposito
Joe Esposito is an emerging voice in literary fiction with a gift for turning the mundane into something meaningful. A native New Yorker with deep roots in Brooklyn and Florida, Joe writes with a heart steeped in experiences beyond his own—exploring themes of loss, redemption, aging, and the delicate complexities of human connection.
After several fulfilling careers, and time spent quietly observing and reflecting on life as we all do, Joe found his voice not by chasing publication, but by honoring the stories within demanding to be told. The Painted Sand, his debut novel, is a raw and poetic testament to the quiet, often painful moments that shape a life. He knows stories are magical wonders. They excite and frighten us, illuminate the darkness and envelop us in their warm, compassionate touch. They allow us to question what we know, or come to know what we've always questioned. The very act of reading not only bridges time and distance, but connects hearts and minds as well.
As the founder of Winter Lion Publishing, giving back will be a part of its mission.
5% of all net proceeds and 10% from hardcover purchases via IngramSpark's link goes to organizations making a difference in the world.
We proudly support the following causes:
