Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisridd
The epub 3 specs appear to refer to a metadata publishing standard called ONIX. Is that used by retailers?
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In general, yes! It is submitted as a separate “xml” format document for both paper and digital publications as an industry standard. (
Currently being upgraded from ONIX 2 to ONIX 3 by most retailers.)
It is also generally very definitive in comparison to "in-book" metadata, containing all pricing & currency rates, territory & licensing,
description, publishing account id info, BISAC code(s), encryption status, and alternative formats & editions, all in addition to the standard/mandatory "in-book" metadata of; title, author & language. None of this extra data is really required for self-publishing. The last three, plus date of publication & ISBN (
If required) are all you really need, and is all a retailer will expect, or indeed look at. Unless you are a publisher with a vending agreement/contract with a retailer, you will not be asked for, or be expected to provided, an ONIX file with your titles.
Most upload processes for self-publishing usually have a facility to add the description text and other basic info during the upload. Amazon KDP being a prime example. You can add as much "other" metadata as you wish to your e-pub/mobi, what’s not required will be ignored.
Tip
I’ve noticed
Sigil has a fairly extensive metadata headings list (Adv tab) if you want to add additional info for other reasons, such as self retail/distribution, or to credit contributors.
Hope that helps
