On first leaving school, Delaney started work as an apprentice engineer. Upon the completion of his schooling, he went on to become an English instructor, with his initial literary specialization being in the area of vampire lore. In his capacity as an educator, he worked to establish the Media and Film Studies department at Blackpool Sixth Form College.

His writing career began with the release of a sci-fi book, written under the pen-name of J.K. Haderack. This was followed up by releases under his real name, including his first children's novel, which was in part based upon actual experiences and memories he had as a youth. Additional works were produced to expand that single work into a series of titles tailored primarily at Young Adult and Adult Fiction audiences.

Delaney retired from his position as an educator in order to devote his energies to a full-time writing career. He has three children and seven grandchildren.

The Wardstone Chronicles (UK) / Last Apprentice (USA)

The Wardstone Chronicle Series is an examination of a Master / Student relationship particular to the supernatural.

"The County", as written about in the books, is based upon Lancashire in the North of England. The locations concerned are also largely based upon those known to Delaney, for example: the town of Priestown is based loosely on Preston, where he was born; Lancaster becomes Caster; Blackpool is now the Black Pool; and Chipping is Chipenden. He still lives in the same area that "The County" is based upon.

1. The Spook's Apprentice (Reprinted in the USA as: Revenge of the Witch) - 2004
2. The Spook's Curse. (Reprinted in the USA as: Curse of the Bane) - 2005
3. The Spook's Secret. (Reprinted in the USA as: Night of the Soul Stealer) 2006
4. The Spook's Battle. (Reprinted in the USA as: Attack of the Fiend) - 2007
5. The Spook's Mistake. (Reprinted in the USA as: Wrath of the Bloodeye) - 2008
6. The Spook's Sacrifice. (Reprinted in the USA as: Clash of the Demons) - 2009
7. The Spook's Nightmare. (Reprinted in the USA as: Rise of the Huntress) - 2010

The rights for the first feature-length film of this series have been acquired by Warner Bros.Joseph Delaney has also written other novels on the Wardstone Chronicles;

1. The Spook's Tale in March 2009, as part of World Book Day
2. Witches (Reprinted in the USA as: The Spook's Tale and Other Horrors - 1 October 2009
3. The Spook's Bestiary, originally set for release in October 2009, but delayed until Autumn 2010.