The publishing world is changing, and EPUB conversion is at the heart of this shift. For those in the publishing industry, eBook publishing is opening the doors to new readers. Embracing formats like EPUB is essential for publishers if they want to survive and grow. The US eBook market alone generated a staggering $1.2 billion in revenue in 2024 and is projected to reach $5.38 billion in 2025.
Digital publishing is not all about industry trends, technology upgrades; it’s also about reaching wider audiences with eBook accessibility.
Why EPUB Matters for Publishers
EPUB conversion turns rigid PDFs into reflowable formats because of its adaptability. Text flows smoothly whether viewed on a phone, tablet, dedicated eReader like a Nook or Kobo, or within an Apple Book. EPUB is compliant with WCAG and Section 508, which means the content is accessible to everyone; this includes those who depend on assistive technologies. EPUBs’ digital accessibility increases the opportunity for publishers to connect with a wide range of audiences while staying on the right side of the law.
Key Steps in EPUB Conversion
So how does EPUB conversion work? It’s more than just a simple “File → Save As”:
1. Content prep: Ensure manuscripts are clean by removing inconsistent or cluttered formatting.
2. XML workflows: Amnet’s XML-first method tags every heading, table, and image for screen readers.
3. Semantic markup: The actual EPUB file is built using structured markup, incorporating style sheets and ensuring proper reflow.
4. Metadata magic: Adding accurate titles, authors, descriptions, and even alt-text for images and keywords helps readers discover your book.
5. Testing: Tools like EPUBCheck and Ace by DAISY catch errors before launch.
Benefits of EPUB Conversion
Investing in professional EPUB conversion brings concrete returns:
1. Broader audience reach: Access to the huge global eBook marketplace across large digital platforms.
2. Improved access: Legal and ethical responsibility to create better access to readers with disabilities.
3. Cost-effectiveness: Well-formatted EPUB files are easier to edit, and even formatting changes are straightforward, which means lower costs.
4. Future-proofing: Using the features of EPUB 3.2 allows your content to remain compatible and feature rich for years to come.
How Amnet Supports Publishers
Amnet is trusted by over 50 publishers, and its services provide end-to-end EPUB conversion support. Our Benetech certification ensures top-tier eBook accessibility, while our certainty index guarantees quality and WCAG compliance. Our XML workflows and know-how around semantic markup make content conversion seamless whether your content is an intricate theological document or eBook with multimedia. As they are compliant with EN 301 549 standards, it means the content is digitally accessible for all readers.
Best Practices for Publishers
To succeed in eBook publishing, design born-accessible content from the start. Partner with experts like Amnet to leverage their services for flawless EPUB conversion. Stay updated with EPUB standards to keep your eBook formats on the cutting edge. Proactive digital accessibility saves time and avoids costly fixes later.
EPUB conversion has transformed the perspective of publishers in terms of enhancing eBook accessibility and reach in the digital publishing market. Amnet’s publisher solutions and services ensure your eBooks are accessible, of high quality, and ready for the future. Ready to dive into eBook publishing? Let Amnet guide you with expert content conversion today. Talk to us now.
Sources
- https://thenewpublishingstandard.com/2024/05/21/2024-on-target-to-clock-1-2-billion-in-invisible-ebook-revenues-as-aap-reports-decline/.
- https://www.statista.com/outlook/amo/media/books/ebooks/united-states.
- https://www.w3.org/TR/epub-33/.
- https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/.
- https://amnet.com/role-of-xml-in-supporting-accessibility-standards-such-as-wcag-and-epub/.
- https://daisy.org/ace/.
- https://amnet.com/.
