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Bloomsbury Publishing has launched a new collection of dyslexia-friendly editions of 11 bestselling adult titles, coinciding with the start of Dyslexia Awareness Week. This initiative aims to enhance the reading experience for adults with dyslexia, a condition that affects approximately one in ten adults in the UK, or around six million individuals.
The new collection features popular titles, including *Just Kids* by Patti Smith, *Want* by Gillian Anderson, and *I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki* by Baek Se-hee. While Bloomsbury has labeled this launch as an “industry-first,” smaller independent publishers such as Scorpius Books and Books on the Hill (BOTH) Press have been creating dyslexia-friendly fiction for adults since 2020, advocating for greater accessibility in literature.
The initiative is spearheaded by Elizabeth Kellingley, Bloomsbury’s accessibility manager. She noted that while digital accessibility has seen improvements, print editions have lagged behind. The new editions incorporate design principles aimed at reducing visual stress, featuring clear sans-serif fonts, wider spacing, and soft blue text on cream paper to minimize glare. These adjustments can significantly enhance readability for individuals who struggle with traditional book formats.
Bloomsbury’s commitment to accessibility follows a successful soft launch of nine accessible titles in 2024, which received a positive response from readers. The publisher plans to release new dyslexia-friendly editions annually each October, signaling a long-term dedication to inclusive publishing.
In addition to Bloomsbury’s efforts, independent publishers like Books on the Hill and Scorpius Books continue to expand their offerings, showcasing a broader industry shift towards inclusivity. This collaborative movement among publishers underscores the importance of ensuring that literature is accessible to all readers, fostering a more inclusive future in the literary world. All titles are available through Bloomsbury’s website and major book retailers.
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