Welcome to my overview of large print books and what they’re used for. A lot of people overlook large print books, but authors like myself have found that it can be a useful alternative source of income.
In this article, we’re going to dive into the world of large print books and explore the benefits of this accessible format.
I’ll also talk about why just increasing the font size of the book is not enough, and how you can get an easy-to-follow program that lets you create large print books with a single click.
Let’s get into it!
What Are Large Print Books?
Large print books are specifically designed for people who might have difficulty reading regular sized font, like seniors, visually impaired individuals, or anyone who’s always getting jostled around while trying to read on the go.
These books are total lifesavers for those who need them!
Now, let’s talk about what makes large print books so accessible. To start, they use a larger font size than standard editions or regular sized prints of books.
And it’s not just a matter of making the font bigger – there are actually guidelines that need to be followed to ensure they’re easily readable for the visually impaired, such as using a sans-serif font.
When it comes to the minimum font size for a large print book, it’s usually around 18pt. However, depending on the typeface and number of pages, it could be slightly higher or lower. And that’s not all – there are other factors to consider when creating large print books. Font type, line spacing, paragraph spacing, and alignment all play a role in making sure the book is easy to read and accessible for those who need it.
So, the next time you come across a large print book, remember that it’s not just a bigger version of the regular thing. It’s a specially designed format that’s meant to make reading easier for a specific audience.
Okay, Sam, But Aren’t Large Print Books Just for Old People?
I’ve got some awesome news – large print books aren’t just for the elderly or visually impaired.
In fact, they can benefit a whole range of groups, including dyslexic individuals, tired readers, those who are frequently in motion (like those on a bus), and even impatient readers. So basically, they’re perfect for a wide variety of people.
One of the biggest benefits of large print books is that they can create less eye strain. Plus, they provide a sense of progression for readers, making it easier to track where you are in the book. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love that feeling of accomplishment as you turn each page?
But here’s the thing – large print books shouldn’t be ignored as a valuable option for these demographics. In fact, they’re incredibly important for individuals with vision impairment, such as AMD, and are in high demand. And did you know that large print editions can generate a significant portion of book income?
Producing a large print book can diversify income and increase book sales, which is pretty much a win-win situation. However, there’s a common misconception that increasing font size is the only requirement for creating a large print book. But there are actually additional requirements that are important to consider, like font type, line spacing, and paragraph spacing.
And just remember, this only applies to print books – eReaders like Kindle have their own font size adjustments.
Large Print Best Practices
Let’s get into some specifics of what makes a good large print book.
The American Council for the Blind has identified four key features: font size, font style, line spacing, and contrast. But it doesn’t stop there – organizations like the ADA have additional guidelines to consider.
And while there are no legal requirements for large print books for authors, closer compliance with guidelines provides a better experience for end-users.
Unfortunately, most book formatting tools do not comply with all the requirements, so it’s important to know the guidelines and use appropriate software. Trust me, it’s worth it to make sure your large print book is as accessible and enjoyable as possible for readers.
So, what are some of the guidelines?
- First, use an 18 point sans serif font, which is easier to read for many people.
- Second, line height should be 1.5 or higher, and paragraphs should be spaced for easier readability.
- Third, use ragged right text instead of justified text, which can make spacing uneven and harder to read.
- Fourth, larger font and left alignment should be used for titles and headings.
- Fifth, double-spaced bulleted items and black text only are recommended.
- Sixth, bold should be used instead of italics for emphasis.
- Finally, selecting a larger trim size is also recommended.
So, there you have it – some guidelines to make sure your large print book is accessible and enjoyable for all readers.
How to Make Large Print in Atticus
So after all that, are you thinking about creating a large print book? Atticus is the way to go!
Atticus complies with all large print requirements and makes changes with just a few clicks. Trust me, this will save you so much time and hassle.
By the way, I wrote a review of Atticus here, plus this other article about why it’s better than Vellum (for one, Vellum only increases the sizing for large print, it doesn’t do the other things).
So, what are the first steps to creating a large print book with Atticus?
The first step is to select the appropriate large print trim size in the theme settings.
This will automatically apply the correct font size, style, and paragraph spacing. Easy peasy!
But you may need to customize the theme to adjust font styles for chapter headings and header and footer. Don’t worry, it’s simple to do and Atticus has got you covered.
Other important considerations include resizing the book cover, checking page count, marking the book as large print, and using cream paper. Did you know that cream paper is easier on the eyes and reduces paper glare, making it a better paper type for those with low vision?
Plus, if you’re considering a hardcover option, it’s a great choice for longevity, increased sturdiness, and more likely to be picked up by libraries.
Creating a good large print book involves juggling multiple factors beyond font size.
But with Atticus, you’ll have everything you need to create a top-notch large print book that’s accessible and enjoyable for all readers. Let’s make sure everyone can experience the magic of reading!