By Grace Briggs-Jones
On 4 September, Bloomsbury announced an exciting new initiative: the release and ongoing production of dyslexia-friendly editions of some of their bestselling trade titles. This project is the result of passionate efforts by Bloomsbury colleagues who are dedicated to making reading more accessible for those who find it challenging. Spearheaded by Production Editor Elizabeth Kellingley, alongside Backlist Manager Duncan Honeyman and Editorial Assistant Gurdip Ahluwalia, the team has worked diligently to bring this important initiative to life.
What exactly is dyslexia? Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects reading and writing skills, but it can also impact other areas. People with dyslexia may struggle to process and retain information they see or hear, which can hinder literacy development. However, dyslexia isn’t just about challenges; it also means that people think differently. Many dyslexic individuals excel in fields such as problem-solving, creativity, and visual thinking.
Are dyslexia-friendly books available?
While the market offers a selection of dyslexia-friendly books for children, teens, and young adults, there is a notable shortage of options for adult readers. These specialised books often feature design elements such as shorter chapters, larger fonts, and off-white or tinted paper to make reading easier. They are usually marked with a clear indicator on the cover to signal their accessibility features.
Introducing Bloomsbury’s dyslexia-friendly adult books
Bloomsbury’s new adult dyslexia-friendly editions are designed with large fonts, enhanced spacing, and thoughtful paper choices to make reading more accessible. Every department at Bloomsbury, from editorial and production, to operations and web, has played a role in ensuring these books are easy to purchase and enjoy.
The first wave of publications include nine beloved Bloomsbury backlist titles, scheduled for publication on 31 October, following Dyslexia Awareness Week. These books are now available for pre-order on the Bloomsbury website:
● The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
● Circe by Madeline Miller
● The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
● The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
● A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
● Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
● Sail Away by Celia Imrie
● The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
● Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Ian Hudson, Managing Director at Bloomsbury, expressed his support for the project: “When a team of passionate people approach me with ideas that aim to improve the reading experience, I’m always keen to support them. Many of our colleagues have personal connections to dyslexia, and the fact that Elizabeth, Gurdip, and Duncan have brought this project to life is a testament to our culture.”
Looking ahead
With such a prominent publishing house leading the charge, it’s hopeful that other publishers will follow suit, expanding the range of dyslexia-friendly books for adult readers. For many who have relied on (albeit brilliant) audiobooks as their primary gateway to fiction, this initiative represents a significant step forward, offering a more inclusive and accessible physical reading experience for those who would rather hold a physical book. As Gurdip Ahluwalia said, “We hope to carry on the project in the future,” and with any luck, a book you’ve been eager to read will soon appear in this growing collection.
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