Paperback and eBook from One File: Print PDF and EPUB
Why your paperback and your Kindle eBook need two different files – and how to create both from the same manuscript.
On Amazon KDP you usually publish twice: as a paperback and as a Kindle eBook – and they need very different files.
Print PDF: fixed pages
The paperback needs a PDF with fixed pages at the exact trim size, with page numbers, running heads, margins and gutter – and all fonts embedded. Papyrus Peak creates it as archival PDF/A and checks the saved file again.
EPUB: reflowable text
An eBook has no fixed pages: readers change font and size and the text reflows. So there are no page numbers or running heads, and the contents are links. KDP accepts EPUB directly.
A good EPUB contains a cover image, navigation, clean chapter headings, good images, real tables and metadata. Print-only pages such as the half title are left out.
eBook cover
Amazon recommends 1600 × 2560 pixels for Kindle covers.
Picture books
For picture books Papyrus Peak creates a fixed-layout EPUB, so every page stays exactly as designed.
Both from one project
In Papyrus Peak you work on one book; print PDF, cover PDF, EPUB and eBook cover come out of it in your chosen style – no double work.