Q: Why doesn’t ebook formatting look the same as print book formatting?
A: Answer
With the exception of (most) novels, which are comprised of paragraphs and chapter headings, you won’t find any ebooks with formatting identical to the print book version. In fact, even with novels, the comparison will not be exact, as the font (typeface) won’t generally be the same.
There are several reasons:
1) Ebooks are created essentially the same way web pages are using HTML (Hypertext markup Language), and therefore ebooks can only include the same typefaces and types of formatting found on the device it is displayed. While you can embed a font in an attempt to match your print book, this is, in many cases, a moot point.
While there is no limit to formatting capabilities in print design, ebook formatting is limited to a selection of web-friendly typefaces, line spacing, etc. Unfortunately, not all HTML that IS available for web design is available on all devices and apps (at this time.) In fact, every device seems to have it’s own set of rules and HTML capabilities.
Other issues:
a) Embedding Fonts: you must have the legal right to embed a font in an ebook (epub/mobi) file – and most do not allow embedding.
b) Users (your customers) can use their default typeface preferred on their device, thus bypassing your “embedded font.” Readers are used to a basic typeface on their digital devices.
2) eBooks cannot display graphics, tables, etc the same way as a print book. The eReader screen is generally smaller than a standard trade paperback. eReaders also allow users to re-size text, or change the scree orientation. Users can also choose a different font.
It’s impossible for the ebook formatter to guarantee images will appear in the exact same location, surrounded by the exact same text, as in the print book. While there is HTML you can implement to keep lines and images together (such as for a webpage), not all devices or apps accept this HTML and even those who do, are not consistent in their display.
Conclusion
The best way to format an ebook is to stick with the basics. Don’t try to get “too fancy” attempting to match the design and layout of your print book. Readers understand the limitations of ebooks and actually, are more concerned about the information (or story) than how “pretty it looks.”
