FAQs

Here is a list of some common FAQs that you may have about our eBook Services:

• Why should I use a conversion company? Can’t I create ePub files in-house?
  There are many tools available for creating ePub files and creating such a file can be similar to creating a web page. However, not all ePub files are created equal, and eBook stores will not accept a file for sale unless it meets their strict requirements. Ultimately, most publishers realize that they don’t merely want to have eBooks. They want to sell eBooks. Innodata ensures that eBooks follow the spirit of the printed book with images, tables, boxed text and other elements placed logically with the flow of the text. Similarly, our semi-automated process includes checks to make sure that the text is preserved according to the original document and that the finished file will match the requirements of any eBook store.
  

• Why Innodata?
  Innodata has been engaged by leading ebook stores (Apple, Amazon) to help publishers of all sizes and types prepare and upload their books for distribution. Innodata is the leading producer of eBooks in the world, having converted over 1.8 million titles distributed to over 100 platforms in more than 25 languages. We provide strategic, high-value consulting and technology services to quickly, accurately and cost-effectively transform unstructured content to ePub 2.0 and ePub 3.0 standardized formats.
  

• What do I need in order to create an eBook with Innodata?
  In general, we will need you to provide us with a PDF or DTP file for the interior of the book, a high-resolution JPG file for the cover, and the metadata for each book. The metadata will cover the ISBN, price, territory, and other details specific to the eBook. We compile the metadata for each book based on the eBook stores you’re signed up with along with the cover and the converted eBook. We also upload to the stores on your behalf. If you’re creating eBooks for your own distribution, then we only need a digital file for the book.
  

• How do I get started?
  You may click here to visit our REQUEST A QUOTE section and fill in the information to get a quick pricing estimate for your book. If you have questions about the quoted price, visit our CONTACT US section by clicking here and submit your question/s and contact information. If you are satisfied with the quoted price, proceed to the “Checkout” section for the payment details and account creation. Once your account has been created, follow the instructions for uploading your source file/s or shipping your hard copy materials. Once we receive your source materials, we will send email confirmation and provide an estimated delivery date of your converted eBook file/s. Once your book has been converted, we will send you email instructions on how to download it.
  

• Are there any limitations on the number of books?
  No limit – you can supply one book or one million.
  

• What formats do you accept for processing?
  PDF, ePub, OEB, OPS, XML, HTML or application files such as In Design, Quark, and Word.
  

• Do you convert printed or hard copy books? What do I need to do?
  Yes. Once you have requested for a quote and made the payment, you will receive instructions on where to ship your hard copy books.
  
• Do you process children’s books and comic books?
  Yes.
  
• Do you process books that are rich in photos, drawings, illustrations and other images?
  Yes.
  
• Do you process non-English books? What languages do you cover?
  Yes, we process eBooks in over 25 languages such as English, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Hebrew, Japanese, and Chinese, to name a few. To view the complete list, please click here.
  
• Which eBook file formats do you convert to?
  The most common are ePub 3.0, ePub 2.0, Mobi, KF8 and ePib. To view the complete list, please click here.
  
• Which eBook platforms and eReader devices do they run on?
  The most common are Apple (iPad), Amazon (Kindle), Barnes & Noble (Nook), Google (Nexus), Kobo (Vox), Sony (Reader) and Zinio. See eBook File Formats cheat sheet for the complete list.
  

• How do I sign-up with eBook platforms to sell or distribute my book?
  Innodata currently delivers to over 20 eBook platforms and we will be happy to assist you in the sign-up process.
  

• Will my eBook look like the printed book?
  In some ways it will look similar to the printed book, but it mostly depends on the formatting. If your book is primarily text, the eBook will look very similar, although with different fonts. If your book has multiple columns, sidebars or text that wraps around images, you will notice a significant change in the layout. We strive to maintain the look and feel of the printed book, so images, tables and other elements appear roughly in the same location in the book.In addition, some aspects of a book are improved by converting to an eBook. For example, footnotes and endnotes are easily converted to links (like a webpage) so readers can easily move between them. In addition, most publishers find that it is cheaper and easier to utilize color images in their eBooks, and adding audio/video elements is an option.
  

• What is “fixed format” and do I want it?
  Fixed format ePub files use current ePub technology to reproduce the book so that it closely resembles the layout of the printed book. It’s similar to re-typesetting the book. It is ideal for books with lots of two-page spreads but not much text, such as children’s books and cookbooks. Many publishers express interest in fixed format, but it’s not the best match for many complex books since it also has limitations. Readers are limited to the predetermined font sizes and it is more expensive to convert than normal ePub. We are always happy to evaluate your books to see if they are good candidates for fixed format.
  

• What advanced features can be incorporated into my converted eBook?
  Depending on the output eBook file format you choose, it is possible to have the following features: fixed layout, text pop-ups, embedded font, video, audio, “read aloud,” MathML, and interactive features. See Advanced eBook Features cheat sheet for more information.
  

• What is an ISBN and do I need one? How do I get one?
  You don’t need to have an ISBN, but we recommend it. An ISBN number (International Standard Book Number) helps track your book across the supply chain and can be used to identify your book at any book retailer.In the U.S., an ISBN can be obtained from Bowker at http://www.myidentifiers.com. Outside of the U.S., you may get one at http://www.isbn-international.org/agency.
  

• How much does creating an eBook cost?
  The cost depends significantly on the length and complexity of the original book. A short, text-only novel is typically inexpensive to convert, while a long medical textbook with many images, charts, tables and footnotes costs more. However, conversion costs should not be your only consideration, especially since eBooks never go out of print. Moreover, the cost of distributing to multiple stores is very low.Innodata is happy to evaluate your books based on some examples that you provide. We will generate an FTP site for you to transfer these titles directly to us. We can even provide a quote for the examples in addition to our usual pricing.
  

• I have several books for conversion and do not want to get individual quotes. How should I proceed?
  Go to our CONTACT US section here and submit your contact information and provide the details of your conversion requirements (no. of books, type of books, etc). You will receive an email from our Customer Service team to set up the discussion.
  
• How long will it take for me to receive my converted book?
  Depending on the size and complexity of your order, it will take anywhere from seven to 14 business day from the day we receive your files.
  
• What modes of payment do you accept? What is the payment process?
  We accept payment through PayPal and can raise an invoice for payment through bank wire transfer as well.
  
• Do I need to pay you royalty? What percentage do you charge?
  We do not charge royalty for eBook conversion services.
  
• Do you have a sample agreement for your eBook conversion services?
  You may find a copy of our agreement here. Once you create an account, get a pricing quote and provide payment details, you will be asked to review and sign-off on our terms of agreement.
  
• Who do I contact if I still have questions or encounter any problems?
  Visit our CONTACT US page here and submit your contact information and questions. You will receive an email from our Customer Service team to set up the discussion.