Abbott wins 2025 IPEd Student Prize

The Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd) has announced Portia Abbott, a student in the Master of Writing and Publishing program at RMIT University, is the winner of the 2025 IPEd Student Prize for her essay, ‘One book (doesn’t) fit all: Suggestions for more dyslexia-friendly print books’.

Abbott’s essay, chosen from a shortlist of four, looks at what makes print text more readable for those with dyslexia, with recommendations for readability. Judges said the essay was ‘engaging, comprehensive and well researched, with practical suggestions on how publishers can close the gap towards more accessible text’ and showed ‘insight and critical thinking about issues affecting the whole industry’.

Said Abbott: ‘As a grown adult with dyslexia, I realised how few supports existed for dyslexic readers outside of the classroom […]I thought the report was a great opportunity to learn more about dyslexia, and through that, also myself. As my research progressed, I moved from casual curiosity to a true passion as I realised how simple it would be to make print books more accessible for dyslexic readers, and yet how little awareness there was about the issue and its solutions. I hoped that if my report won, it might increase conversation in the publishing industry around dyslexia-friendly printing, as well as give some concrete advice that could be acted on right away.’

Abbott receives $500, an IPEd membership, a dictionary, a style guide, manual, or other book of choice from IPEd’s offerings, and a copy of The Editor’s Companion by Janet Mackenzie.

The IPEd Student Prize is awarded annually and is designed to enhance the profession of editing and support student work on issues relevant to the industry.

Category: Awards Local news