How do you validate your e-book design before publishing?

1 Choose the right format

The first thing you need to do is to choose the right format for your e-book, depending on your goals, content, and distribution channels. The most common formats are EPUB, PDF, and MOBI, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. EPUB is the most widely supported and flexible format, allowing you to create responsive and interactive e-books that adapt to different screen sizes and orientations. PDF is the most reliable and secure format, preserving your layout and fonts exactly as you designed them, but it can be difficult to read on small or mobile devices. MOBI is the format used by Amazon Kindle devices and apps, which have a large market share, but it has some limitations in terms of design and functionality. You can use software like Calibre, Sigil, or InDesign to create and convert e-books in different formats.

2 Validate your e-book file

Once you have your e-book file ready, you need to validate it for any errors or issues that might affect its readability or performance. You can use online tools like EPUBCheck, Epub Validator, or Kindle Previewer to upload your file and get a report of any problems or warnings. These tools will check your file for compliance with the standards and specifications of each format, as well as for any broken links, missing images, or corrupted files. You should fix any errors or issues before publishing your e-book, as they might cause your e-book to be rejected by some retailers or platforms, or to display poorly on some devices or apps.

3 Preview your e-book design

Another way to validate your e-book design is to preview it on different devices and platforms, to see how it looks and behaves in various reading scenarios. You can use emulators or simulators like Kindle Previewer, Adobe Digital Editions, or Calibre Viewer to view your e-book on your computer screen, and adjust the settings to mimic different devices, screen sizes, orientations, and fonts. You can also use real devices like tablets, smartphones, or e-readers, and download different reading apps like Kindle, Apple Books, or Google Play Books, to test your e-book on different environments. You should check your e-book design for readability, usability, and aesthetics, and make sure it meets the expectations and preferences of your target audience.

4 Test your e-book functionality

If your e-book has any interactive or multimedia elements, such as links, audio, video, animations, or quizzes, you need to test their functionality and compatibility as well. You can use the same tools and devices as before, but pay attention to how these elements work and integrate with your e-book design. You should check if the links are working and pointing to the right destinations, if the audio and video are playing and loading properly, if the animations are smooth and clear, and if the quizzes are engaging and responsive. You should also check if these elements are compatible with different formats, devices, and platforms, and if they require any special permissions or software to run. You should avoid using any elements that might cause errors, glitches, or frustration for your readers, or that might distract from your main content and message.

5 Optimize your e-book metadata

The last step to validate your e-book design before publishing is to optimize your e-book metadata, which is the information that describes your e-book and helps readers and retailers find it. Your e-book metadata includes elements such as your title, author name, cover image, description, keywords, categories, ISBN, and price. You should make sure your metadata is accurate, complete, and consistent across different formats, devices, and platforms, and that it reflects your e-book's content, genre, and audience. You should also use keywords and categories that are relevant and specific to your e-book's topic and niche, and that match the search terms and expectations of your potential readers. You can use tools like Calibre, Sigil, or InDesign to edit and manage your e-book metadata.

By following these steps, you can validate your e-book design before publishing and ensure a high-quality and satisfying reading experience for your audience. You can also avoid any technical or editorial issues that might affect your e-book's distribution, visibility, or reputation. Validating your e-book design is not only a good practice, but also a way to show your professionalism and respect for your readers and your craft.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?