The European Accessibility Act (EAA), which comes into force in June 2025, will require publishers selling ebooks in the European Union to ensure their titles meet stringent accessibility standards. While most indie authors fall under the microenterprise exemption—applying to businesses with fewer than ten employees and annual revenue below €2 million—experts warn that accessibility is increasingly becoming a key factor for global distribution.
The EAA mandates that ebooks must support assistive technologies, allow readers to adjust fonts and layouts, and include clear navigation and metadata about accessibility features. According to a report from the International Publishers Association, the directive applies not only to European publishers but also to any author or publisher selling directly to EU customers. It also extends to backlist titles already on the market, a challenge for many publishers with large catalogs.
Dan Holloway, news editor for the Alliance of Independent Authors, emphasized the importance of accessibility for indie authors during a recent Self-Publishing News Podcast.
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“If we haven’t been thinking about accessibility, we should be,” says ALLi News Editor Dan Holloway.
“If we haven’t been thinking about accessibility, we should be,” Holloway said.
He explained that EPUB is the recommended format because of its compatibility with assistive technologies and flexibility in design. PDFs, by contrast, are often not accessible due to their rigid layout.
The EAA’s scope isn’t limited to ebooks alone. As detailed in the International Publishers Association’s overview of the Act, it also covers e-reading devices, ecommerce platforms, and software. The Act requires the entire supply chain—including distributors, libraries, and online retailers—to ensure accessibility at every stage, from discovery to consumption.
“Publishers are considered a service provider as are other economic actors involved in the supply chain,” the report states.
Holloway noted that digital rights management (DRM) can pose a particular challenge.
“DRM does not work well with some screen readers and assistive technology,” he said, explaining that restrictions on files can make it harder for readers with disabilities to access ebooks. Authors who avoid using DRM or opt for newer, less restrictive technologies like Readium LCP may find it easier to comply with accessibility standards.
While microenterprises are exempt, compliance with the EAA could still impact indie authors. The International Publishers Association points out that retailers, libraries, and ebook platforms may begin rejecting non-compliant content to avoid their own legal risks. Holloway echoed this concern, stating that authors aiming to sell in the EU should consider accessibility as part of their publishing strategy.
The cost of compliance is another consideration. Large publishers could face significant expenses in updating backlist titles, with costs estimated at up to €2,500 per book. Indie authors, however, may have an advantage here. With smaller catalogs, they can proactively update their works and incorporate accessibility features without the burden faced by larger operations. Additionally, accessible ebooks are more user-friendly for everyone, not just readers with disabilities, and this could widen an author’s potential audience.
Enforcement of the EAA will vary by country, with penalties for non-compliance ranging from €7,500 fines in France to as much as €60,000 in Ireland. The International Publishers Association also notes that non-compliance may lead to older books being removed from digital shelves, reducing market diversity and harming access to niche or rare titles. However, the EAA allows for limited exemptions for “disproportionate burden,” especially in cases like graphic novels or art books where compliance would fundamentally alter the work.
Ultimately, the EAA signals a shift in the publishing landscape. As Holloway said, “The onus remains on us to make sure that we have gone out of our way to do so and to make sure our books are accessible.” While compliance may not be mandatory for most indie authors, ensuring accessibility could protect authors from potential distribution barriers and expand their reach in a global market that increasingly prioritizes inclusivity.
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