Top UK Crime Writer Ian Rankin’s New Novel ‘The Impossible Dead’ Released Today in Braille.

10/13/2011 8:01 AM EST

Top UK crime writer and loyal Royal Blind supporter Ian Rankin has ensured his new novel ‘The Impossible Dead’ is released simultaneously in print and in Braille this week.

‘The Impossible Dead’, is the second of the Malcolm Fox series to be published in hardback and eBook by Orion Publishing will be released, today, on October 13th. On the same date, thanks to collaboration with the Scottish Braille Press in Edinburgh it will be available to Braille readers.

Allan Balfour, Head Editor and Braillist at the Braille Press, hopes the simultaneous publication in print and Braille will inspire other publishers to do the same in the future. “I do find it frustrating when a book comes out and you have to wait to read it. It is wonderful to have a book by such a high profile author coming out in Braille at the same time.”

As a keen reader he said; “I really enjoyed reading the book, it’s an excellent story and you get a real insight into the characters. It was a real pleasure working on this project”

The braille edition of the book comes in seven volumes and has taken several weeks to publish. Allan states; “In a printed book there are 65 spaces per line however in a braille book there are only 35, meaning a lot of work goes into producing a braille novel”.

Due to the work and materials involved in producing the novel, the braille copy costs significantly more to produce. However, it will still retail at the same price as the printed version. This conveys the commitment of Royal Blind and its services in providing assistance to those who are blind and visually impaired.

Sandra Wright, depute manager of the Scottish Braille Press said; “because of the co-operation of the publisher we were given an advance copy of the book in word format so the books could be published on the same day. Normally we would have to wait until the book was published, remove the spine, scan the text and then start working on a Braille edition. ”

The Impossible Dead will be available in Braille from the Scottish Braille Press (www.royalblind.org/scottishbraillepress/ ) from Thursday 13th October.

ENDS

For more information or photographs please contact Alisdair Caulfield on 0131 229 1456.

Notes to editors
1. This story is for immediate use and the words and pictures are free to use.
2. The activities of Royal Blind, www.royalblind.org include:
The Royal Blind School, Edinburgh
The Royal Blind School offers the highest quality of education and care to meet the needs of young people with a visual impairment. Our two campuses include pre-school, primary and secondary facilities supporting pupils with additional support needs.

Braeside House
Braeside House is our home that provides first class services and facilities for older people who are blind or visually impaired, offering both residential and nursing care in purpose built premises.

Scottish Braille Press
The Scottish Braille Press is a leading provider of high quality alternative formats. The press has years of experience, backed up with continuing investment in technology and skills to ensure we can supply the best that is available for our customer needs.
Forward Vision
Forward Vision offers young adults aged 18-25 who have a visual impairment disability, care and support with person centred focus on strengths and abilities, encouraging greater independence.