Top 7 Benefits of Fixed Layout ePub Conversion for Authors and Publishers
With the introduction of eBooks, authors and publishers found the most reliable and amazing platform to display their work to a broader audience. Since then it has become very popular among authors and publishers. However, there are many aspects that go into successful e-book production and one of them is the layout format.
Mainly, there are two layout formats that book publishers and authors often use and sometimes, get confused with. It is either to choose the reflowable layout or the fixed layout. In the reflowable layout, the content of the e-books flows as per the screen size. However, in the fixed-layout format, the placement of content is fixed just like that of PDFs.
However, nowadays, it’s the fixed-layout eBook format that is mostly preferred by authors, publishers, and even readers. Want to know why? Well, this article is all about explaining those reasons.
In this post, we’ll discuss the top benefits of using fixed-layout ePub conversion. In addition to that, we’ll also take a better look into what the layout format exactly is.
What is a Fixed Layout eBook?
A fixed layout eBook is a file that maintains the same layout format as that of the physical books. Instead of being fluid and flexible like the reflowable layout, it preserves the design of the eBook pages and keeps the texts and images fixed.
In other words, it means that the reader cannot change any component of the eBook. The line spacing, text size, fonts, line margin, etc. will all remain consistent, just like the way they were designed.
The fixed layout ePUB format is best suitable for books that are heavily designed, contain full-page images or texts, and need static presentation. For example, graphic novels, children’s books, coffee-table books, cookbooks, technical manuals, travel guides, fashion magazines, comic books, etc.
Advantages of Fixed-layout ePUB Conversion for Authors and Publishers
ePUB is one of the most preferred eBook formats known to date. It is supported by almost every e-reader that you may think of, such as Sony Reader, iBooks, KITABOO, Barnes & Noble, Kobo eReader, etc.
Earlier, the fixed layout ebook formats were employed in Apple devices only. However, after some time, Kindle released its own advanced version, i.e., the Kindle Fire series as it didn’t want to miss out on the same audience. Because of Kindle’s new release, ePUB now has its own version of fixed layout format so that it can be used on Apple devices. The same was also followed by Mobi and it too created its fixed layout version.
Due to this reason, now, the fixed layout eBook format is supported by all four major eBook retailers, i.e., Amazon, Apple, Barnes &Noble, and Kobo. So, Apple and Kobo support the fixed layout format by Apple, Barnes & Noble supports Nooks kids format, and Amazon supports Kf8 format.
So, if you are also up for fixed layout ePUB conversion, then here are the various benefits you are most likely going to get.
1. Total control
In fixed-layout eBook conversion, authors and publishers have total control over the eBooks. They can determine how their eBooks will appear on the screen, starting from the placement of pictures to the audio narration interlinked with text.
Unlike the standard ePub, the fixed-layout format uses pixel-specific page size to a good advantage. This enables authors and publishers to control the images, text, or other elements on the page with precision.
2. Less cost
As compared to other ePUB layouts, fixed-layout will require comparatively less investment. So, you can easily convert your manuscripts into the fixed-layout ePUB format without breaking the bank. Just look for an experienced digital conversion company and you are good to go.
3. Easy searching
Be it an author, publisher, or reader, everyone may feel the need to search for particular information in the e-book every once in a while. In that case, fixed layout eBooks can be helpful. The format can allow users to look for a specific piece of text or information with easy search options. Besides, it can also allow selecting the desired text size or embedding fonts.
4. Content independence
Content independence is another advantage that authors and publishers can get. It doesn’t matter whether the reader zooms in or zooms out, the content, i.e., the texts and images won’t overlap and shall remain independent of the changes made by the reader.
5. CSS and JavaScript
Publishers and authors can employ CSS and JavaScript to add interactive features to the fixed-layout eBooks. This will make them appealing and engaging to the readers. The different elements that can be added are quizzes, games, multiple-choice questions, and many more.
6. Text & image embedding
The fixed-layout format also enables authors and publishers to include embedded texts and images along with the description. This will make the digital books more accessible to the users, whether it is a read-aloud listener or reader.
Apart from these, there are other features that can be incorporated to make the e-books interesting. They are:
• Bookmarks
• Dictionary linking
• Multi-column text pages with semantic structuring
• Thumbnail navigation
• Text-to-speech feature
• Audios
• Videos, etc.
7. Better sales
In fixed layout ePubs, texts and images will flow seamlessly across e-readers. This will ensure that they don’t appear distorted or out-of-place. Thus, with fixed-layout ePUB conversion, authors and publishers can offer an improved reading experience to their users. If people enjoy reading your enhanced ePUB books, chances are that your sales will go up.
