Book Uploads

[NatCh]

Originally Posted by Valloric

We need a dedicated ebook editor that produces EPUB (like an extension to Book Designer that allows it to export EPUB). And no, I don't mean Adobe's InDesign. I have it, but I sure as hell am not going to use something so obviously overkill.

We need an editor. I'm sorry, but editing in one format and then non-natively converting to EPUB is not the answer. Too much could go wrong during conversion, and I just don't trust the process. If I edit my book by hand, my hand edited version should end up on the Reader, not the converted version with possible bugs or whatever.

If you're looking for an argument, Valloric, you're in the wrong place: I imagine most of us would agree with that wholeheartedly.

[Hadrien]

Originally Posted by Valloric

We need a dedicated ebook editor that produces EPUB (like an extension to Book Designer that allows it to export EPUB). And no, I don't mean Adobe's InDesign. I have it, but I sure as hell am not going to use something so obviously overkill.

We need an editor. I'm sorry, but editing in one format and then non-natively converting to EPUB is not the answer. Too much could go wrong during conversion, and I just don't trust the process. If I edit my book by hand, my hand edited version should end up on the Reader, not the converted version with possible bugs or whatever.

Until that happens, I'm sticking with LRF.

That's exactly what Feedbooks is, it's just an online publishing tool instead of a desktop one. We process the file to make sure that the markup is 100% XHTML compliant and it's simple enough to use for anyone once you grasp the concept of dividing the book into separate elements rather than adding style to a single flow.

[Valloric]

Originally Posted by NatCh

If you're looking for an argument, Valloric, you're in the wrong place.

Why do you think I'm looking for an argument?

Anyway, if we don't get an editor by the start of January, I'll dedicate my personal time to develop one. Currently I'm strapped for time and can't do it, but by then I should be free to work on such a project.

Goes without saying, it would be FOSS software.

[NatCh]

Originally Posted by Valloric

Why do you think I'm looking for an argument?

I don't! I was trying to say that most folks will agree with what you'd said.

Sorry, I should have used more smilies to get it across that I was being facetious.

[Valloric]

Originally Posted by Hadrien

That's exactly what Feedbooks is, it's just an online publishing tool instead of a desktop one. We process the file to make sure that the markup is 100% XHTML compliant and it's simple enough to use for anyone once you grasp the concept of dividing the book into separate elements rather than adding style to a single flow.

I'll look into it, but I'm not big on online applications, especially if the application is more suited to a desktop. For instance, Gmail is great, but an online text editor? Handy, but not my thing (please don't take any offense).

[Valloric]

Originally Posted by NatCh

I don't! I was trying to say that most folks will agree with what you'd said.

Sorry, I should have used more smilies to get it across that I was being facetious.

Don't worry about it. I had a long day and it seems I'm in that kind of mood where I take other people's words the wrong way for no good reason.

[Hadrien]

Originally Posted by Valloric

I'll look into it, but I'm not big on online applications, especially if the application is more suited to a desktop. For instance, Gmail is great, but an online text editor? Handy, but not my thing (please don't take any offense).

I'll probably do a desktop version once I finish working on the API for the publishing side of the service.

The javascript version is basically a front-end for the web service. Anything else could work as another front-end, including a desktop app (RIA app).

[kovidgoyal]

EPUB is just a thin wrapper around HTML. There are plenty of tools to create HTML both WYSWYG and not. All that's needed is to modify one of these tools to allow marking of chapters, TOC entries (say using the class attribute) and a cover then html2epub will do all you need.

[Valloric]

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

EPUB is just a thin wrapper around HTML. There are plenty of tools to create HTML both WYSWYG and not. All that's needed is to modify one of these tools to allow marking of chapters, TOC entries (say using the class attribute) and a cover then html2epub will do all you need.

Yes, I know. But I've been increasingly unhappy with Book Designer and have been looking for a good reason to justify spending time on a more modern editor. EPUB looks like a good enough reason, although to tell you the truth, by January I doubt I'll have any more patience for BD, reasons or not.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by Valloric

We need a dedicated ebook editor that produces EPUB (like an extension to Book Designer that allows it to export EPUB). And no, I don't mean Adobe's InDesign. I have it, but I sure as hell am not going to use something so obviously overkill.

We need an editor. I'm sorry, but editing in one format and then non-natively converting to EPUB is not the answer. Too much could go wrong during conversion, and I just don't trust the process. If I edit my book by hand, my hand edited version should end up on the Reader, not the converted version with possible bugs or whatever.

Until that happens, I'm sticking with LRF.

I entirely agree with you. I'm sure that better ePub conversion tools will appear in time - I know that Hadrien is planning to add such a service to his excellent "Feedbooks" site.

[kovidgoyal]

I agree there's a need for a modern replacement for BD. And if you do write one, it will be welcome

[NatCh]

Originally Posted by Valloric

Don't worry about it. I had a long day and it seems I'm in that kind of mood where I take other peoples words the wrong way for no good reason.

I completely understand, I've had those days myself.

[=X=]

Originally Posted by Valloric

Yes, I know. But I've been increasingly unhappy with Book Designer and have been looking for a good reason to justify spending time on a more modern editor. EPUB looks like a good enough reason, although to tell you the truth, by January I doubt I'll have any more patience for BD, reasons or not.

Me too. That is why I started writing BookCreator.

Although I was not looking to justify write a modern editor. I rather wished someone else wrote it

I chose to write is as a template to Word because Word is already and excellent editor. I just lacked the publishing features which where easy enough to add.
With conversion tools such as Kovid's calbire, I can now produce most formats rather quickly. This includes ePUB, which come out very nice.

=X=