Automated ePUB Conversions . . . Not as Easy as You Might Think!
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Progressive
11October19
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By Jennifer Hastings, PPS Project Manager
You’ve
just completed your book. The hard part is done, right? Well, maybe not. Have
you given any thought to how your work will be distributed to your readers?
Traditionally, books are printed in set quantities. Selling enough books will cover
printing costs and hopefully make a profit. To achieve this, a writer must
reach as many readers as possible, but with traditional printing, the expense
can be overwhelming. How can your book be distributed to your readers without
incurring those printing costs? Converting your book into an ePUB could be the
ideal solution.
What is an ePUB?
First, “what is an e-book?” An e-book is a book in digital
format. Readers use electronic devices, such as tablets, phones, or laptops, to
read an e-book. There are many e-book formats: .epub, .mobi, .azw3, and .pdf, to
name a few. The most common format is the ePUB. An ePUB, short for “electronic publication,”
is an open e-book standard format that is supported by most e-readers.
An ePUB has many advantages for both author and reader. For
the author, an ePUB is less expensive to produce than a traditional printed
book. There are no printing, shipping, or storage costs for ePUBs. For the
reader, ePUBs are easier to travel with and store, no bookshelves required. The
reader can customize each ePUB by changing the font, font size, color, and
screen brightness on an e-reader.
Conversion is easy. Formatting is not.
Converting your book to an ePUB is easy; there are many free
or inexpensive programs readily available, such as Draft2Digital. However, even the simplest
content requires correct formatting for the conversion program to work
properly. Text, headings, and tables should be set consistently using styles
and all art should be the correct color, size, and format. Adding videos or
interactive forms requires a higher level of manipulation in the program. Conversion
programs will automate the ePUB conversion but knowing how to use the software
will help if manual changes are needed.
Check the results.
Check your newly converted ePUB on a variety of e-readers.
Each e-reader will interpret the ePUB coding differently. Review the pages
throughout the ePUB to make sure text and other elements look and function
properly. Tables may look great on an iPad but may be too large on a
smartphone. All links should go to the correct location. If not, search for the
cause of the issue and manually fix the coding in the conversion software.
Professional conversion.
Did you remember to add the metadata and cover file? Alternative
text for images? Feeling overwhelmed? Professional services are
available and at affordable rates. Professionals in the publishing industry are
trained to handle the entire conversion process. Based on experience, they can
anticipate content problems by identifying and fixing any issues before the ePUB
is created. A professional conversion will also include checking and certifying
the ePUB to ensure that it works properly and readers will have a positive
reading experience.
PPS is a reliable source for effective content development, production services, nurturing your projects from concept to completion. Whether you're interested in full-service publishing, book publishing services, publishing project management, or e-book publishing, our professional staff focuses on your project, managing every detail.
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Progressive Publishing Services
HQ: 198 Van Buren Street, Suite 100 Herndon, VA 20170
York Office: 555 Ryan Run Road, Suite J, York, PA 17404