You want your ebook everywhere. The more places the better. But there’s that tricky little format called AZW or MOBI.
How can you convert your EPUB file for Kindle’s MOBI / AZW format?
You Can Upload EPUB files directly to Kindle
There’s been a lot of questions on how to convert an EPUB file to Kindle, and vise versa. Actually you only need one file, the EPUB, and it will work for both.
I am not saying you can “read” an EPUB on the Kindle, not yet anyway (stay tuned this summer as I think Amazon’s got something BIG up its sleeves). But I am meaning formatting your book for EPUB and then using that file for the Kindle.
Kindle accepts only certain formats for publishing: Word (.doc only), PDF (not recommended at all), RTF, Text, and the EPUB. Yes, Virginia, the Kindle will take EPUB files. In fact, when you upload it, it converts automatically through their system to a MOBI / AZW file. Pretty cool, HUH?!
THE DOUBLE COVER IS NO LONGER AN ISSUE in the updated previewer for Kindle and hopefully all apps and devices once they update to KF8.
Eliminating the Double Cover Issue
There is one flaw with using an EPUB for Kindle and if it bothers you it will need to be corrected before you upload. Unlike EPUB readers – the Kindle takes the cover image from both the cover.xhtml page AND the cover.jpg. See where I am going with this?
It creates 2 cover images in the final MOBI output. Now, that’s better than none- granted. But if you only want one, then there is an easy fix.
How to correct an EPUB for Kindle
I’ve created a quick video to show you how – enjoy…
Diy Formatting Kit
Would you like to learn how to format your own ebook for both EPUB and Kindle? And create a Master Formatting Template to use over and over for all your formatting needs?
Visit our DIY Publishing Center: DIY Kits and our Video Center for more tips on formatting, cover design, marketing and promotion.
DIY Formatting Kit Videos
* Setting Styles: Formatting Your Word File
* Converting Word to Clean HTML
* Formatting your HTML file using DIY Kit Template
* Splitting XHTML eBook Files in SIGIL
* Renaming XHTML pages and Setting Semantics
* Modify Copyright, Acknowledgment & Author eBook Formatted pages
* Creating Linkable Table of Contents (TOC)
* Setting Meta and TOC Editor for pre-validation
* Validating EPUB file with ThreePress.org
* Converting EPUB to Kindle Digital Publishing in One Step
It was tested with epubcheck from Threepress.org. and the file validates. I have not tired the product you have indicated, so I cannot give a proper review. I am sure it may work, but Our Kit Validates and works every time.– Thanks, — Suzanne
Hi there,
I have been studying all your videos and getting an idea of the eBook publishing process. And about to purchase your DIY kit.
But I have perhaps an idiot question.
I drive a Mac. Provided I convert my material to Word can I then download and apply your Unruly Guides and formats using a Mac? And then upload the eventual product for Kindle etc? Or do I need to use a PC or install Windows on my Mac via Bootcamp etc?
Thanks,
Brian Monks
New Zealand
Brian, There are no “idiot Questions” ;) The program I utilize for my Kit (SIGIL) is available for both MAC and PC, so you are good to go there.
In fact, I have an iMac. In my demos, I use Microsoft Word; However, you could use Open Office (free) or even a plain Text Editor for your manuscript. In the Kit I have a word, open office and text sample so you can follow along with the tutorial videos to learn the formatting process.
And as you work through the kit and even your own projects, please feel free to contact me. I am here to help — Suzanne
Suzanne….hope you can help me. I puchased your DIY and found it very helpful in a first time attempt to create an eBook. I followed all the videps, the ebook validated in sigil and threepress. I opened it in the Kindle previewer and it said that there was not a TOC, though there is a toc.xhtml per the instructions. I removed the cover xhtml as stated, and the book opening to one of the introductions. Can you help? Thanks.
Frank, Make sure you set the Semantics for the toc.xhtml page. Open it in Sigil, right click the page and select Semantics > Table of Contents, Resave and see if that doesnt fix the problem. — Suzanne
I downloaded the Mac version of Sigil, purchased the DIY Kit and watched all of the videos today. There are a few changes seeing as the Mac version of Sigil was updated 19 hours ago.
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1. Safari Books Online purchased Threepress.org.
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The Epub validator is now here:
http://validator.idpf.org/
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2. In Sigil (for Mac) to rename .xhtml files:
– Click once on the file you wish to rename (ONLY ONCE)
– Hit the return key (which will highlight the file name)
– Type new name (i.e. cover, copy, etc.)
– Hit return key once more and it will set the new name.
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If you click the return key twice, it automatically will have you edit the html file instead of changing the name. If this happens, just go to the “edit” then “undo” until page returns to normal. Then click another page. Then click back (only once) on the page you were trying to rename and do the above steps again.
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3. Semantics are mostly done for you by Sigil and there was not option to set it. However, a manual check showed that only the “start” ID needed to be changed on Chapter 1.
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4. To generate the TOC, there is a button on the bottom left of Sigil. Click it to reveal the TOC box and “uncheck” the box as per the video tutorial.
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5. Finally, the last change for Kindle no longer seems to be necessary. Downloaded the Kindle Previewer for Mac and both the modified and original epubs only showed one cover.
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I think those were the only new tweaks that I observed.
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Excellent tutorial and templates by the way. The only thing I would add is an extra video exclusively on the additions to the Meta Tags that can be done.
Dee, Thank you so much for taking the time to include this. The update kit 3.0 will have new videos, and updates, but always good to have this posted.
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Suz
I don’t recommend OpenOffice after experiencing major problems with it on my Windows 7 PC. Instead, LibrOffice is probably the way to go since it’s fork of OpenOffice, available for the same ‘price’.
Thanks for the comment and suggestion. I have not had issues with Open Office on either my PC or Mac, but then I do not work with it extensively. But I suppose it’s like the old adage: “you get what you pay for” — and so one can expect some issues from a free item, don’t you think? — Thanks again, Suz