diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index aedae61..70e5e6d 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -62,7 +62,8 @@ pass a set of attributes to apply to each default block:
 
     var editor = new Squire( document, {
         blockTag: 'P',
-        blockAttributes: { style: 'font-size: 16px;' }
+        blockAttributes: { style: 'font-size: 16px;' },
+        readOnly: false // default is true
     })
 
 If using the simple setup, call `editor.setConfig(…);` with your
diff --git a/source/Editor.js b/source/Editor.js
index d16ab84..d55b1e6 100644
--- a/source/Editor.js
+++ b/source/Editor.js
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ function Squire ( root, config ) {
         };
     }
 
-    root.setAttribute( 'contenteditable', 'true' );
+    root.setAttribute( 'contenteditable', !(config.readOnly || false) );
 
     // Remove Firefox's built-in controls
     try {