Hundreds of thousands of books are published every year, yet finding large print versions can be challenging for those who need them. The World Health Organisation published that 2.2 billion people have near or distance visual impairment. Those with learning difficulties can find large print content easier to digest and interpret. And then there are many people who simply prefer large print to standard text, especially after using a digital screen all day. But knowing you need to make your list more accessible to readers of all types and actually accomplishing that are two very different things! 

At Ingram Content Group, we know how difficult it can be to navigate the evolving world of accessibility, especially in such a long-standing and slow-moving industry. That’s why we have been working with leading accessibility experts at RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind), UKAAF (UK Association of Accessible Formats), and DAISY Consortium to develop best practice guidance for publishers that want to improve their Large Print offerings. 

Here are 5 ways you can make your books more accessible to readers looking for large print editions: 

1. Use 16 pt font  

Typically, 14-18 point font sizes are considered large print, but 16 point is recommended for main body text. Fonts must not be smaller than 14 point. 

2. Only typeset in easy-to-read Sans Serif fonts

Select fonts like Arial, Helvetia, or Luciole. Also avoid italics, bold, underlining, or large blocks of capital letters. 

3. Add a large print badge to the cover or spine 

Anything to make it more visually apparent that it’s a large print title when it’s on a bookshelf! 

4. Reference large print in the edition description  

This is recognised in ONIX. Descriptions should also include language advising the title is a large print edition, as well as the book block font and font size used. Similar to other metadata, it’s important that large print is mentioned in appropriate description boxes so those editions are more easily discoverable via search/online retail sites by readers and retailers alike. 

5. Make sure the paper and text have adequate contrast 

Work with your printer to ensure the paper is non-glossy, and the text stands out clearly. Both Crème and White papers supplied by Ingram are suitable. 

Accessibility is one of publishing’s most important issues at the moment, and Ingram is proud to be helping publishers make their books available to even more people around the world with the power of POD and our global distribution networks. For further expert recommendations, please read this guidance.

And to find out how Ingram can help you expand your large print title offering, please fill out this form, and Laura Dolan, Key Account Manager and Global Lead for Ingram’s award-winning Large Print program, will be in touch.