FutureWire - futurism and emerging technology

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Publishers Print More Large-Type Books

Publishers trying to boost sagging paperback book sales (down 11% in the past five years) are wondering if one cause of the decline is the growing number of aging Boomers with failing eyesight. If so, the growing move to issue titles in large-print format ought to help boost sales.

"We've been losing the foundation of our customer base because their eyesight is getting worse, and the books are getting harder and harder to read," said Simon & Schuster CEO Jack Romanos. Publishers have increased the type size of some books by half a point size, and increased the spacing between the lines as well.

Source: TheLedger.com