BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Bloomsbury Publishing launched a new collection of dyslexia-friendly editions of 11 bestselling adult titles, joining a growing movement of publishers transforming the reading experience for adults with dyslexia. The initiative, announced at the start of Dyslexia Awareness Week, includes beloved titles such as Just Kids by Patti Smith, Want by Gillian Anderson, and I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Se-hee.
Bloomsbury initially described the launch as an “industry-first”, but smaller independent publishers like Scorpius Books and Books on the Hill (BOTH) Press have been pioneering dyslexia-friendly fiction for adults since as early as 2020. Scorpius Books, for instance, calls itself “the first publisher in the UK to produce dyslexic-friendly fiction for adults” and began publishing accessible titles during the pandemic. Similarly, Books on the Hill has campaigned since 2021 for larger publishers to follow suit, advocating for greater accessibility in mainstream literature.
Bloomsbury’s contribution, however, marks a major milestone in scale and visibility, bringing the accessibility conversation into the mainstream publishing arena.
The accessibility advocate behind the project
The initiative is driven by Elizabeth Kellingley, Bloomsbury’s accessibility manager. The publisher credits her as “the driving force behind the initiative.” Kellingley said she conceived the series after realizing that while digital accessibility was improving, print editions had not kept pace.
“As a disabled person, I know what it feels like to need adaptations,” she said. “Last year’s launch proved the demand, and this year we’re expanding the list. While neurodivergent characters and authors are increasingly represented in publishing, access to these books hasn’t kept pace. We wanted to change that, ensuring that great books are available to everyone.”
What makes these books easier to read
Dyslexia affects around one in ten adults in the UK. That’s roughly six million people. Traditional book layouts can be visually overwhelming, making reading slower and more tiring. To address this, Bloomsbury’s new editions incorporate research-backed design principles that ease eye strain and boost readability.
Each book uses a clear sans-serif font, wider spacing, and ragged-right alignment. The text is printed in a soft blue on cream paper to reduce glare, with bold replacing italics to mark emphasis. These subtle changes can make a dramatic difference for readers who struggle with visual stress.
Bloomsbury’s managing director Ian Hudson emphasized the publisher’s inclusive vision: “With these editions, we hope to set a new standard for inclusion. Our aim is simple: more readers, more often, with fewer barriers.”
A broader shift in publishing
Bloomsbury’s program builds on a 2024 soft launch of nine accessible titles, which received an overwhelmingly positive response. Encouraged by that success, the company now plans to release a new list of dyslexia-friendly editions every October, cementing a long-term commitment to accessible print.
Meanwhile, independent publishers like Books on the Hill, an independent press and campaigner for accessible books for adult readers with dyslexia, and Scorpius Books continue to expand their offerings, proving that accessibility is no longer a niche concern but an evolving standard across the industry. As Books on the Hill noted in a public statement, “We’re really pleased that Bloomsbury are doing this and taking up our cause.”
All titles are available via bloomsbury.com/UK and major book retailers. Together, these publishers are turning the page toward a more inclusive future. One where every reader can find themselves reflected, supported, and welcomed in the world of books.
