Introduction

This EPUB is a "sandbox" for an ebook project I'm working on.

I'm curious what folks think of the structure we are considering. Likes/dislikes/bad-form/etc. Suggestions/ideas.

Please be kind with your comments. We are exploring ideas right now and not trying to be pub-ready. I'm not an ebook expert, so it's likely that the CSS/HTML needs improving.

If anyone knows of an ebook which has solved a similar problem -- please let me know!

Thanks in advance for your time.

Problem Statement

The project is a textbook/reference book.

The subject matter is drafting. The author is one of a handful of subject matter experts.

The content is presenting a few challenges:

- It is very procedural in nature.

- The content is image heavy and the images must to be seen at the same time as the corresponding drafting instructions. This gets complicated with re-flowables pages.

- It will be read non-linearly. Each chapter begins with a set of "rules", which are referenced in subsequent examples. Readers will bounce back/forth between content and the "rules", so navigation is imperative.

Requirements

Must-haves

- Navigation: given the push/pop nature of the content, website-like "go back to previous location" functionality is key.

- Three-color images: most images will be b/w diagrams, but there are a small, important set of images which can not be understood without at least one additional color.

- Reading device price points: need to be manageable for budget-constrained students.

- Off-line reading: we can't assume that the schools will have wifi access for students.

Almost must-haves

- Phone useable: more than just readable. Useable ... functional ... supports (rather than inhibits) the learning process. This would be a big win because many students would not have to purchase a 2nd device.

Nice to haves

- Tables: some of the "rules" are best presented in tabular format. We can use lists, but tables would be so much nicer.

- Book specific glossary/definitions with "pop-ups"

Current Thinking

At the moment, we are leaning towards the Kindle platform and re-flowable pages.

We realize that many textbooks are going the fixed page format route, but we suspect that we've found a re-flowable structure that will work on tablets and phones. Especially with the trend towards large-format phones.

We also understand that the textbook will not present well on black and white tablets, e.g. Paperwhites. Our need for 3-color images is the problem. We haven't developed a plan for this issue (yet). Ideas welcomed.

The structure we are considering is outlined below.

A "trick" we are using is that all headers are also hyperlinks that move the header to the upper-left corner of the screen. This is rather handy when viewing on a small screen. Usually, the text and corresponding image fit together on the screen.

This "trick" has worked on the Kindle readers we've tested (Fire, iPad, iPhone, OSX). It's been hit and miss for other ebook readers.

Below is a very simplified sample of our working concept. We expect the book to have 15 chapters. Each chapter would contain the following:

Rules/Techniques (approx 10 per chapter)

Sample Worksheet (usually one per chapter)

Sample Process (10 to 15 per chapter)

Thoughts?

Thank you for any advice and suggestions.

-Wendy

Chapter Rules

Rule 1

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Rule 01: Supporting image.

Rule 2

Lorem ipsum proin at fermentum justo. Duis sodales diam eget erat pellentesque auctor.

Rule 02: Supporting image.

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1. Do this first.

2. Do this second.

3. Do this third.

4. Do this forth.

5. Now ski

Rule 3

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Rule 4

Similar to a lookup table. Variable X is dependent upon f(Y).

- If f(Y) between 0 and 1 => X is 100

- If f(Y) between 1 and 2 => X is 240

- If f(Y) between 2 and 3 => X is 360

- If f(Y) between 3 and 4 => X is 490

- If f(Y) between 4 and 5 => X is 1000

Rule 5

Classic lookup table. Will be used sparingly.

Variable 1

M

N

O

P

Variable 2

A

⅜"

¾"

⅜"

⅜"

B

½"

1"

½"

½"

C

⅝"

1¼"

⅝"

⅝"

D

¾"

1½"

¾"

¾"

Sample Worksheet

Most worksheets will be much larger than the below, but this gives you an idea of the content.

Record of Measurements

Circumference 01: 13½"

Length A: 4½"

Length B: 14½"

Length E: 8"

Length F: 14½"

Circumference 02: 38"

The Calculations

Circumference 01

Front Width: (circumference 01 measurement / 6) + ¼"

Front Height: (circumference 01 measurement / 6) + ⅜"

Back Width: (circumference 01 measurement / 6) + ⅜"

Back Height: 1"

Length A: as measured

Length B: as measured

Length E: length E measurement / 2

Length F: length F measurement / 2

Circumference 02

Front: (circumference 02 measurement / 4) + ¼"

Back: (circumference 02 measurement / 4) - ¼"

Example

It helps to highlight the calculations, one color for the front values, another for the back values, and a third for common values.

Circumference 01 (measured as 13½"):

Front Width: (13½" / 6) + ¼" or 2½"

Front Height: (13½" / 6) + ⅜" or 2⅝"

Back Width: (13½" / 6) + ⅜" or 2⅝"

Back Height: 1"

Length A (measured as 4½"): 4½"

Length B (measured as 14½"): 14½"

Length E (measured as 8"): 8" / 2 or 4"

Length F (measured as 14½"): 14½" / 2 or 7¼"

Circumference 01 (measured as 38"):

Front: (38" / 4) + ¼" or 9¾"

Back: (38" / 4) - ¼" or 9¼"

Sample Process A

Princess Line w/Side Panels

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Lorem ipsum duis ultrices eleifend rhoncus.

Important Concepts

- Idea 1.

- Idea 2.

Drafting Instructions

Step 1

1. Step One

2. Step Two

3. Step Three (see rule 1)

4. Step Four

5. Step Five

6. Step Six

Step 1, figure X: Description.

Step 2

1. Step One

2. Step Two

3. Step Three

4. Step Four

5. Step Five (see rule 2)

6. Step Six (see rule 3)

Step 2, figure X: Description.

Step 3

1. Step One

2. Step Two

3. Step Three (see rule 4)

4. Step Four

5. Step Five (see rule 5)

6. Step Six

Step 3, figure X: Description.

Etc....