Reflections on dyslexia at London Book Fair and beyond

‘Reading is not easy, but it can be easier’ was the sentiment shared by Dr Alistair Sims at this year’s London Book Fair. At the pink-carpeted Author HQ in early March, I attended Spotlight On: Dyslexia, a panel featuring Barrington Stoke’s Ailsa Bathgate, Dr Alistair Sims, children’s author, Gill Lewis, and Elizabeth Kellingley of Bloomsbury.

Since attending the fair, I have been reflecting on the ways the publishing industry can increase accessibility for all readers. To explore the topic further, I went along to an event hosted by Dyslexia Scotland this week to learn about the science behind reading and why dyslexia-friendly literature is pressingly needed today.

On the final morning of LBF, Sims said those with dyslexia, who make up an estimated 10% of the population, are already ‘denied access to so many things in life’. They must not be ‘left out’ of publishing as well. Publishing is gradually updating to accommodate them as traditional production processes were not designed with dyslexia in mind.

Our books can be enjoyed by everyone

Ailsa Bathgate

An imprint of Collins and located locally in central Edinburgh, Barrington Stoke have catered to dyslexic readers for over two decades. The company is the best-known example of this in publishing. ‘Our books can be enjoyed by everyone,’ said Bathgate at LBF. ‘They’re a wonderful read for anyone.’

I gathered that Barrington Stoke functions uniquely. It employs two additional language editors. With every manuscript, there is a separate accessibility edit to ensure each word is legible. For this reason, I was surprised to hear, they have no strict style guide, and, according to Bathgate, they ‘treat every book individually’.

At the panel, I learned that illustrations aid comprehension. Dyslexia Scotland explained white pages are too light for the brain to process, causing distortion. Everyone in London echoed this, saying that cream or coloured paper with a ragged edge helps. As dyslexic brains work almost five times faster, alterations are about reducing the processing and energy it takes to read.

Spotlight On: Dyslexia at the London Book Fair. The event was held on the Wednesday morning and highlighted innovation in publishing. Images: Lauren Burns, 2025.

Bloomsbury are at the forefront of mainstream dyslexia-friendly publishing, which became clear while listening to Elizabeth Kellingley. Kellingley spearheaded a staff-led project to republish Bloomsbury’s backlist in dyslexia-friendly editions. Since the launch last October, BookTok titles including Circe by Madeline Miller and Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid have joined the list.

Dyslexic readers ‘just don’t have the books to work for them,’ said Bloomsbury’s Accessibility Manager. Dyslexia-friendly books are not quite mainstream because production is expensive due to differences in paper and typesetting. Accessible alterations include specially designed serifs and tinted paper. White space is also vital for processing. 100% of those surveyed said the move is positive, and they would read the books offered.

They just don’t have books to work for them

Elizabeth Kellingley

Almost a year since Bloomsbury launched its list, further expansion is imminent from the publisher, and others will likely follow suit.

While solid alternatives like audiobooks exist, publishing should welcome everyone who wants to sit down and read a physical book, especially as the adjustments required are minor– business depends upon it.  

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