What is a PDF e‐book?
A PDF e‐book is based on the same hi‐res PDF you send to the printer when you are ready for anoffset print run. For this reason, it is commonly referred to as a “print‐ready PDF.” We take this
PDF and clean up any crop marks, link the table of contents to the text, and make other minor
modifications to ensure that it looks presentable to consumers and is up to the expectations ofour e‐book vendors as well.
PDF e‐books are compatible with most EPUB‐compatible e‐reader devices, including the Nook,
iPad, and Google Nexus. The format is also used for consumers who do not have e‐reader
devices, but still wish to read the book on their computer.
Once the mainstay of the e‐book marketplace, PDF has largely been replaced by EPUB as theindustry‐standard e‐book format. However, PDF remains widely used in schools and libraries
and still makes up a sizeable percentage of overall e‐book sales.
PDF e‐book files are always labeled with a ".pdf" file ending.
What is an EPUB e‐book?
EPUB is considered the “standard” e‐book format and now accounts for more than half of all e‐book sales industry‐wide. It is based on the same technology as modern web sites, with heavy
use of HTML, CSS, and image files. This format is used by the Nook, Sony Reader, Google Play,Kobo Books, and Apple iBookstore.
The EPUB format was designed around the concept of “re‐flowable” content. A re‐flowable e‐book is one in which text and images automatically adjust themselves to look best on a wide
range of e‐reader devices of all sizes, including tablets, phones, and computer monitors. Inaddition, a re‐flowable e‐book allows the user to control more aspects of the reading
experience, including the ability to adjust font sizes and styles and page layout—features
unavailable to readers using the older PDF format.
EPUB files are always labeled with a ".epub" file ending.
What is a Kindle e‐book?
The Kindle format is the Amazon‐specific e‐book format used for all Kindle e‐reader devices. TheKindle file is derived from EPUB and features the same re‐flowable capabilities. However, it is
only compatible with Kindle devices and apps. Kindle e‐books are always labeled with a ".prc" or".mobi" file ending, though the introduction of the Kindle Fire has introduced a new term, “KF8,”
which is also used to refer to the format.
What is a fixed‐layout e‐book?
Fixed‐layout e‐books are designed to match the layout and formatting of the print book as
closely as possible. This is a very important attribute in any e‐book where the layout performs
an essential role in how the book is consumed. Primary examples include picture books,

cookbooks, text books, graphic novels, and encyclopedias, all of which have images spread
across two pages.
The cost of developing the fixed‐layout format is many times greater than standard, re‐flowable
EPUB, with standard EPUB ranging from $.12 ‐ $.83 per page and fixed‐layout running $2.00 ‐$4.00 per page.
Many fixed‐layout e‐books incorporate region magnification, embedded audio, and otherenhanced e‐book technologies for "read‐along" and other interactive features, especially inchildren's books. However, adding these features will add additional cost.
The fixed‐layout format is applicable only to a handful of e‐reader devices from Amazon, Apple,and Barnes & Noble, each of which operates a closed, proprietary version of the format for theirown e‐reader devices. The relative newness of the format, its lack of standardization acrossmajor industry players, and its much higher development costs have kept the fixed‐layout e‐book from the mainstream of e‐book sales. Details on fixed‐layout e‐books from these vendors
are described below.
Fixed‐layout EPUB: This format is available through the Apple iBookstore whenpurchased on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch devices. It is also available on Kobo eReader
devices.
Fixed‐layout KF8: This is Amazon's proprietary fixed‐layout e‐book format. It is derived
from the fixed‐layout EPUB and shares many of its capabilities, but it is compatible onlywith Kindle Fire e‐reader devices.
Barnes & Noble Nook EPIB: This format is available only through Nook eReader devices
and compatible only with Nook Color and later models. Unlike fixed‐layout KF8, NookePib is created in‐house with the same print‐ready PDF we use for standard EPUB
conversion.
What e‐book format(s) are best for my titles?
There are two routes you can take when it comes to e‐book conversion. You can either choose
to convert to standard, re‐flowable e‐book formats, or you can opt for costlier fixed‐layout e‐book formats if it suits the type of e‐book you would like to bring to market. Please refer to theflowchart below to help determine which option is right for your book.