Antechinus eBook Wizard: Master eBook Creation in Minutes

Antechinus eBook Wizard Essentials: Workflow, Best Practices, and Export Settings

Overview

Antechinus eBook Wizard is a fictional (or niche) eBook production tool focused on streamlining manuscript-to-published-book workflows. Below is a practical, prescriptive guide covering a typical end-to-end workflow, recommended best practices to avoid common pitfalls, and concise export settings for popular eBook platforms (EPUB, Kindle MOBI/AZW3, PDF).

Workflow (step-by-step)

1. Prepare source manuscript

   • Use a clean, consistent source (preferably DOCX or Markdown).
   • Apply semantic styles (Heading 1–3, Normal, Blockquote, Caption) rather than manual formatting.

2. Import into Antechinus

   • Import DOCX/Markdown. Let the wizard map styles automatically; verify mapping for headings, captions, and lists.

3. Structure and metadata

   • Check/assign front matter: title page, copyright, dedication, contributor list.
   • Enter metadata: Title, Author, Publisher, ISBN, Language, Publication Date (use today’s date if publishing now: February 8, 2026).
   • Add keywords and categories for discoverability.

4. Apply template and typography

   • Choose a template that matches genre (fiction, non-fiction, textbook).
   • Set base font family and size (serif 11–12pt for body; sans-serif for manuals).
   • Configure line-height (1.2–1.4) and paragraph spacing; avoid manual line breaks.

5. Images, tables, and media

   • Use high-resolution images (300 dpi for print/PDF; 150–300 px for EPUB).
   • Optimize images (JPEG for photos, PNG for line art) and compress (keep visual quality).
   • Use captions and alt text for accessibility.

6. Chapters, navigation, and TOC

   • Ensure consistent heading levels to auto-generate TOC.
   • Create a navigable NCX/HTML TOC for e-readers and a detailed PDF TOC for print.

7. Accessibility & validation

   • Add alt text for all images and semantic HTML for lists/tables.
   • Run accessibility checks (reading order, headings, language declaration).

8. Proof and test

   • Use previewer to test on multiple reading scenarios (mobile, tablet, large font).
   • Export test EPUB and load into Calibre, Kindle Previewer, and a native device app.
   • Fix any layout or reflow issues.

9. Finalize metadata and covers

   • Design cover at correct dimensions (see Export Settings).
   • Embed metadata and ensure ISBN and rights information are correct.

10. Export and publish

• Export to required formats (EPUB, AZW3, PDF).
• Run final validation (EPUBCheck for EPUB).
• Upload to distribution platforms (KDP, Apple Books, Draft2Digital) following each platform’s specific requirements.

Best Practices (concise)

• Semantic styling: Use styles, not manual fonts/spacing.
• Single-source truth: Keep master file in one format (DOCX or Markdown) and regenerate outputs from it.
• Image optimization: Resize and compress before importing.
• Consistent headings: Prevent TOC and navigation issues.
• Accessibility: Alt text, language tags, and proper reading order.
• Version control: Save iterative versions (v1_manuscript.docx).
• Backup: Export backups of final EPUB/PDF and source files.
• Test widely: Preview on multiple readers and with large-font reflow.
• Style guide: Follow a brief style guide (hyphenation, em/en dashes, ellipses, punctuation around quotes).

Export Settings (recommended)

EPUB (reflowable)

• MIME: EPUB 3.2 compatible
• Base font embedding: subset common web fonts; rely on system fonts for readers.
• Images: max width 1600 px; 150–300 dpi; compress to web-optimized sizes.
• CSS: responsive, avoid fixed widths; use rem/em for scalable text.
• Navigation: HTML TOC + NCX fallback.
• Metadata: Dublin Core fields populated; cover image embedded.
• Validation: Run EPUBCheck (no fatal errors).

Kindle (AZW3 / KF8)

• Container: AZW3 preferred for advanced formatting; MOBI legacy only if required.
• Fonts: Embed fonts if specific typography is essential (be mindful of file size).
• Images: max width 1400–1600 px; compress.
• CSS: avoid unsupported properties; test in Kindle Previewer.
• TOC: HTML TOC and NCX; ensure Kindle conversion maps headings properly.

PDF (print-ready)

• Page size: Choose Trim size (e.g., 6”×9”) or A4 as required.
• Resolution: 300 dpi for images; CMYK if sending to print.
• Fonts: Embed all fonts.
• Bleed: Add 3 mm/0.125” bleed if printing to edge.
• Margins: Ensure inner gutter allowance for bound books.
• Output intent: Include PDF/X or press-ready settings if sending to a printer.

Cover specs

• EPUB cover: 1600×2560 px (minimum 1400×2000), RGB, JPEG/PNG.
• Kindle cover (KDP): 2560×1600 px recommended, RGB, JPEG, <50MB.
• Print cover: Full wrap with spine — use exact PDF with bleed and spine measurements based on page count.

Quick checklist before publishing

• Metadata complete and accurate (ISBN, date: February 8, 2026).
• EPUBCheck passed; Kindle Previewer shows no errors.
• Cover meets platform specs.
• Images optimized and alt-texted.
• Final proof read on at least two devices.
• Backups of source and exported files stored.

If you want, I can convert this into a printable checklist or a template workflow file (DOCX or Markdown).