Accessible Publishing: Making Books Inclusive for All Readers
- Justine Martin
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 6
Books have the power to inspire, educate, and connect us—but only if we can access them. At Morpheus Publishing, we believe that stories should be available to every reader, regardless of their physical ability, learning needs, or neurological differences. That’s why we champion accessible publishing—because inclusion isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Whether you’re an author, publisher, or reader, understanding accessibility in publishing is the first step towards creating a more inclusive literary world. Here’s what it means, why it matters, and how we’re working to make it a reality.
What is Accessible Publishing?
Accessible publishing means producing books that can be read, listened to, or experienced by everyone, including people with:
Vision impairments or blindness
Learning difficulties, such as dyslexia
Cognitive or neurological conditions
Mobility impairments
Autism or sensory sensitivities
It involves formats, design, and delivery methods that break down barriers to reading and offer alternative ways to engage with the written word.
Why Accessibility Matters
According to the World Health Organization, over 15% of the global population lives with a disability—yet many readers are still excluded due to inaccessible publishing practices.
📚 Imagine loving books but not being able to read the font.
📚 Or being unable to hold a heavy paperback due to a physical disability.
📚 Or feeling overwhelmed by cluttered layouts or hard-to-navigate eBooks.
When books aren’t accessible, entire communities are left out of the joy and power of storytelling. That’s not just unfair—it’s a missed opportunity for deeper connection and impact.
Accessible Formats and Features
Here are some common ways books can be made more accessible:
📖 Large Print Editions
Designed with larger font sizes and increased spacing, large print books support readers with vision impairments and processing difficulties.
🎧 Audiobooks
Audiobooks provide a hands-free, eyes-free reading experience, ideal for people with vision loss, dyslexia, chronic fatigue, or mobility impairments.
💻 eBooks with Adjustable Settings
Accessible eBooks allow users to customise font size, style, spacing, background colour, and even use screen readers or text-to-speech functions.
📄 Easy Read Versions
These are simplified versions of texts using plain language, supportive visuals, and minimal formatting, making them more accessible for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
🌐 Accessible Websites and Publishing Platforms
Publishing platforms and author websites should meet accessibility standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) to ensure readers can easily access information online.
Morpheus Publishing’s Commitment to Inclusion
At Morpheus Publishing, accessibility isn’t an afterthought—it’s built into everything we do. Our mission is to help all writers share their stories and ensure those stories can be read by everyone.
Here’s how we support accessibility:
✅ We offer format options including large print, eBooks, and audiobooks
✅ We support authors with disabilities, neurodiversity, and chronic illness
✅ We design books with reader-friendly fonts, layouts, and spacing
✅ We collaborate with editors and designers who understand inclusive publishing principles
✅ We empower our authors to share stories that reflect and celebrate diversity
Whether you’re writing your first book or bringing an existing manuscript to life, we’ll guide you in creating a product that’s beautiful, professional, and accessible.
How Authors Can Make Their Books More Inclusive
As an author, you have the power to champion accessibility from the start. Here are some simple steps to take:
🖊 Choose clear, readable fonts (e.g. Arial, Calibri, or Open Dyslexic)
🖊 Use headings and structured formatting for easier navigation
🖊 Avoid crowded pages and keep a good balance of white space
🖊 Provide alternative formats if possible (eBook, large print, audiobook)
🖊 Write inclusively—represent diverse characters, voices, and experiences
Final Thoughts: Stories Are for Everyone
Inclusive publishing isn’t just about reaching more readers—it’s about respecting the dignity and humanity of every person who picks up a book.
At Morpheus Publishing, we’re proud to stand for accessible storytelling, and we invite authors to join us in creating a world where everyone belongs on the page—and on the bookshelf.
Want to make your next book more accessible? Reach out to Morpheus Publishing today. Let’s build something truly inclusive, together.
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