A few months back, someone mentioned that they didn’t like e-readers and missed reading paperbacks, but their eyesight just couldn’t do the small print any longer. As an experiment, I set up The Hanged Man’s Noose in Large Print and while it’s not exactly a runaway bestseller, I’ve sold a few copies, including, most recently, at a fundraising event in Beeton, a small town near where I live.
My next dilemma is whether to continue the experiment with other titles. There is an expense associated with it, from file upload charges to new cover art. The publishing charges are also higher, necessitating a higher retail cost — so the decision isn’t one to be taken lightly. What do you think of large print books? Respond to the poll here and thank you.
FIND THE HANGED MAN’S NOOSE LARGE PRINT EDITION ON AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, and CHAPTERS.INDIGO.
My grandfather used to read large print on the 1980s, so I think they will always be around as long as there are print books. I don’t think they will be cost effective as time moves on. I imagine people who use e-readers today will simply increase the font size on whatever future device they have when they get older. Or we might have an e-book to brain interface by then!
Hi Kat, I think a lot of older readers are resistant to e-readers, but I suspect that will change as younger becomes older. As you say, technology changes all the time. Thanks for stopping by.
Have been shortsighted all my life and so I could read without glasses and still can. Small print isn’t a problem.
Besides I am used to wear glasses made for me during day time anyway. Ironically, getting older, I just look over the rims of my glasses nowadays when reading. Quite the other way round to everybody else, who need glasses for reading and look over the rims of their reading glasses for far sights. But seeing how many of my colleagues use reading glasses, large print should be a good market.
Thanks Fran!
As much as I want to deny that I might need larger print, I can’t. Been rereading books I read some years ago. Not fun!
William, time to try large print…just one…and see. My eyesight is fine (reading is 20/20) but if that’s all the library has and I really want the book, I’ll read LP. Go for it!!
I replied I have no onterest. That’s because, personally, i’ve never bought or read a large print book, but for people with failing eyesight they are a boon. Again, no experience, but I would think an audio book isn’t the same
Thanks Vivienne. I have read large print but never listened to an audiobook (beyond my own books, when getting them ready for sale). I think LP can be a good option but the books are heavier, and more expensive.
I haven’t bought any large print additions, but–as another person answered–I do check those shelves at the library when i can’t find a regular print edition. With the aging being in the majority of readers today, I see a certain advantage in LP. Many have failing eyesight and the big print is easier to read.
Thanks John, I think that’s the reality — we will check it out of a library, but don’t want to buy it for our bookshelf — much like I suspect most people no longer buy hardcovers for their personal library.
The biggest market for large print books is libraries. I recently watched a webinar about selling to libraries. Apparently it is a big market with about 2,000 libraries in Canada alone.
Yes, I think that’s true, Grace, but it’s difficult to reach libraries as an indie publisher.
Yikes! I typed too fast. Can you correct my spelling? How could a librarian misspell LIBRARY??
With a very popular book, when I cannot find it on the mystery novel or paperback shelves at the libray, I check the Large Print shelves! I am delighted to read
the Large Print edition because I don’t need to locate my glasses at night.
Reading your anthology currently. Love the variety of stories, Judy. Great editing and publishing work. Love the cover. Congratulations! Beth
I do the same thing, Beth, and I also don’t mind the LP edition. But I’ve never purchased one. Not once. I think the key here is to market to libraries but I have no idea how to go about doing that.
See these articles, Judy:
http://austinhackney.co.uk/2017/03/26/how-to-get-your-book-into-libraries-as-an-independent-publisher/
https://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/2017/08/28/getting-your-self-published-book-into-libraries/
https://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/2019/06/18/book-marketing-how-to-get-your-book-into-libraries-by-eric-otis-simmons/
Thanks Chris, I’ll check those out. Appreciate it.