How to create EPUB ebooks for Local Content
We recommend uploading Local Content ebooks as EPUB files. EPUB is the industry standard format for ebooks and other digital publications.
EPUB ebooks submitted through Local Content are converted by OverDrive into the OverDrive Read format. Unlike PDF, OverDrive Read is compatible with Sora (for schools) and Libby (for libraries).
EPUB and OverDrive Read ebooks are also reflowable, so they automatically adjust to different screen sizes and allow you to resize the text (unlike PDFs, which only allow you to zoom in and out).
Here are some common ways to create EPUBs:
- You can export Google Docs in EPUB format (free).
- You can export Apple Pages documents in EPUB format (free).
- You can use free software (like Calibre) or online file conversion programs (like CloudConvert or Zamzar) to convert common file formats (like Word) to EPUB.
Note: We don't recommend converting to EPUB from a fixed-layout format like PDF, since your resulting ebook may not work properly in Sora or Libby. - You can create EPUB files using Adobe InDesign. Adobe InDesign will give you the most control over the design of your book, but is not free.
Note: These are examples only; OverDrive does not endorse or provide support for any of this software.
Please note that, unless you're using professional software (like Adobe InDesign) or have experience designing reflowable text, you'll likely have limited control over the formatting of your EPUB ebook (e.g., positioning of images or lines of text). This is because EPUBs are reflowable, meaning that the text size can be adjusted according to the user's settings and screen size, which can change the positioning of content.
Please also keep in mind that your EPUB must be 100 MB or less for us to process it successfully.
We recommend that you use an EPUB validator (here are some apps that the World Wide Web Consortium suggests) to check for errors in your completed EPUB before you upload it to the Local Content form in Marketplace.
You may also want to verify that your ebook opens in Adobe Digital Editions. While it's not a guarantee, ebooks that work in Adobe Digital Editions are likely to be accepted during our ingestion process (as long as they're 100 MB or less).
Validation errors are sometimes caused by a corrupted save, and can often be resolved by exporting a fresh EPUB file from your EPUB creation software.
If you continue to get validation errors after reexporting, you can use the error table to determine where exactly each problem is in your file and the reason for each error. To resolve the error, you may need to edit the problem area in your file using an EPUB editor like Calibre (free).
We recommend searching online for resolution tips for your specific error; some sites, like Smashwords and The Book Designer, have helpful EPUB validation troubleshooting guides.
- How long do Local Content titles take to be added to my collection?
- How to add a Local Content title to your collection
- How to create a cover for your Local Content title
- How to create EPUB ebooks for Local Content
- How to edit a Local Content title
- How to remove a Local Content title from your collection
- How to resolve The selected file is not in a supported format error
- How to see all of the Local Content titles in your collection
- How to set the number of copies of Local Content titles
- How to submit audiobook Local Content files
- Local Content terms and conditions
- What is the Local Content feature?
- Why couldn't OverDrive process my Local Content files?