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Like many authors, I still have a day job. I currently work as a pediatric therapist, so the podcast subject at RWA regarding reaching blind readers caught my attention.

Whether you are author or a reader, you’ve most likely noticed the words, Text enabled or disabled on electronic readers. This greatly effects the blind reader. If it is enabled, then they buy your book. If not, then they are forced to buy your audiobook (although better with audible) this is typically a much more expensive option. As the author said at rwa, “It’s expensive to be deaf.�

The problem is most publishers feel this might cut into their audiobook market…and maybe it would. But it just seems wrong that they have to pay more for every single book they wish to read?

There are 30 million blind readers, dying to have more books. That’s just a crime.

Now, I’ll be honest. That grinds my gears and any other cliche you’d like to insert here. They don’t have enough to be getting on with? Seriously?
Here is the list of where books for the blind are available- iBooks, Google Books, The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, and a website called BookShare.org

Another suggestion to assist these readers was to always tag your photographs in blogs or where ever, as um they cant see the picture.

She also mentions that apple products, itunes, ibooks are easily accessible but kindle currently is not. She made suggestions for self published authors to look into acx to record your own book or to find voiceover talent.

The entire transcript can be found here, from Smart Bitches/Trashy books website. It’s an important topic. Talk with your publisher about it. Get the word out. Literally. Get the spoken word out for them.