File Under: "Learning Experience"

[alexandraerin]

So, it's only in the last few hours... after looking at automated converters and converters-for-hire and editors and generators and so on... that I actually learned what the EPUB format is made of (dead simple HTML). The thing that's been the hardest part of putting The Gift of the Bad Guy to bed would have been the easiest part if I'd realized that sooner. I almost announced that the EPUB would be delayed again while I remade it "by hand"... there's a lot of pointless stray code left by conversion programs, though I think I removed everything that was causing problems... but I decided against it. I don't think Jack would stand for another "late night at the office". This project has really destroyed my rudimentary sense of work/life balance.

Also, as much as I want my first time out to be perfect, it is my first time. The next one will be better. And easier. So much easier. I've decided to use Sigil for my EPUB editing because of how seamlessly it moves between text and code. Instead of converting the same file I use for the PDF into EPUB and then trying to take out everything that doesn't look right and won't render correctly on simpler readers, I'm just going to copy in the text and then format it... I can't say why doing it the other way seemed smarter/faster, except for maybe the psychological appeal of "not starting over from scratch". But insofar as an EPUB isn't a PDF, starting over from scratch is really preferable. I mean, trying to make a pizza out of raw ingredients is easier than trying to make a pizza out of a bowl of chicken stir-fry, right?

Other things that I'm going to simplify for future offerings (and to some degree, for future sales of this one):

1. I'm going to keep offering font choices in PDF, but every reader program and device I tested the EPUB on had an option to change the font, so I'm going to offer three choices in the future: PDF Avec, PDF Sans, and EPUB.
2. Since the price is "one size fits all" (or rather "You pay what you like and get what you like."), I'm just going to package the three versions as a ZIP. Simplify the buying process, simplify the delivery process.
3. I'm going to have a hard, bright line between "the time I'm writing the book", "the time I'm putting the book together", and "the time I'm selling it". I was so on fire with this concept back when it started that I was trying to do everything at once. And for a while I was managing it. But that kind of energy never lasts forever. And then when the writing was finished and I should have been focusing my attention on getting it out, I kept having the urge to tinker. Next time: write until I'm satisfied it's good enough that I'd post it on the internet, polish it during the put-the-book-together phase, and then consider it set in stone when I go on to the marketing phase.

Anyway... I tested the EPUB on everything I could, but I don't have everything. If you bought the EPUB and you're having problems, please let me know. And be aware that some software/devices override the font choice to begin with, so if you put in your Sans copy and it's got serifs or vice-versa, look for viewing options to see if you can toggle that. Just another reason why I'm not going to do two EPUBs for the next one.

I haven't restored the "buy" buttons to the website just yet. That'll happen sometime today, but for the moment I need to put my mind on other things.

Comments

[moofable.livejournal.com]

"I don't think Jack would stand for another "late night at the office"."

Seriously, I haven't gotten to talk to you for days.

[alexandraerin.livejournal.com]

...I'd swear we talked just the other day, but that would probably be my "just the other day", wouldn't it?

[moofable.livejournal.com]

Yeah, and when I do get to talk to you you've been rushing away quickly. :P

[alandd.livejournal.com]

I hate to interrupt the cuteness *grin*, but if you're taking votes, I'd vote for an 'individual file(s)' option.

I took the PDF attachment and opened it right on my iPad, no computer necessary. I'm not sure if I could (or how I could) do that if I'd received a zip file.

[just a data point; I DO usually have access to a computer. But not always.]

[alexandraerin.livejournal.com]

Well, I could send them as four separate files in one email easily enough. I'm just not going to bother with tracking who wants what in particular.

[waterdragon.livejournal.com]

I like the way smashwords does it, you pay for the book (using whatever pay scheme the author has decided) and then it allows you to download whatever format of the book you want, it has links for all of the formats provided by the author.

[alexandraerin.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'll be getting on Smashwords and the Kindle store by and by, and ultimately that's the sort of set-up I want for my own store. Probably going to be a minimum of a week before I make any moves in that direction, though. My brain needs a break.

[alexandraerin.livejournal.com]

Oh, wow, I just glanced at Smashwords and see they take .docs and publish them as just about anything. That'll be handy.

Still won't be doing it immediately, though.

[natalief.livejournal.com]

/agree
I frequent Smashwords often. ;-p

[butterflytamer.livejournal.com]

Sorry to butt in, but I was just wondering: I ordered only the pdf formats during the presale, can I still get the epub file now? Or do I need to re-buy it? (you see, at the time I made the order I did not have an ereader device, but since then I happened to get a new phone with a kindle app on it)

[alexandraerin.livejournal.com]

Absolutely, just send a request as a reply to the delivery email so I know who to send it to.

[butterflytamer.livejournal.com]

Thank you soooo much.
The announcement of "Gift" is what made me have any real interest in acquiring an e-reader in the first place! Now that I have the app on my phone (and your stories are coming out in this format!) I am highly considering investing in a real Kindle.
The point: I love your work, please keep reading! I am constantly linking fellow writer friends to Tales of MU for inspiration and encouragement.

[natalief.livejournal.com]

Just so that you know, you cannot change font face (only font size and then only between small, medium and large) on Sony Reader Pocket in epub (or pdf and pdf looks icky). I keep meaning to send you some photos. I have tested on my Sony reader and in various apps on my iPhone.

[alexandraerin.livejournal.com]

Well, that's disappointing to know... I suppose I'll have to keep it up, then. Fortunately it's a lot easier for me to change the font in an EPUB than it is in the PDF, as I just have to change a bit of CSS and then scroll through to make sure nothing's broken.

[natalief.livejournal.com]

Sorry, I was *sure* that I had already told you back when you were deciding whether to do sans epubs or not. My memory may have (as usual) let me down again, though.

[alexandraerin.livejournal.com]

Just as likely to be my memory.

[natalief.livejournal.com]

What was my name again?
*hugs*