Kobo Writing Life Podcast

Kobo ReWriting Life – #15 – All About EPUBs with Simon Collinson and Ben Dugas

Jul 29, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Simon Collinson, a content sales manager at Kobo and EPUB expert, teams up with Ben Dugas to unveil the intricacies of eBook files. They dive into the various EPUB formats and share valuable tips for indie authors to sidestep common pitfalls. Simon outlines effective methods for crafting EPUBs, while Ben emphasizes the necessity of testing eBooks on multiple devices. The duo also touches on the future of eBooks, accessibility features, and the importance of quality design, making this a must-listen for aspiring authors.
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INSIGHT

EPUBs Are Like Webpacks

  • EPUBs are like websites packed into a single file with HTML and CSS inside.
  • They are designed to adapt across many devices but still differ in rendering capabilities.
INSIGHT

EPUB Evolution and Improvements

  • EPUB standards evolved from loosely organized files (EPUB 1) to structured, accessible, and multimedia-capable formats (EPUB 3).
  • EPUB 3 uses modern HTML5 and supports better accessibility and fixed layouts.
ADVICE

EPUB Creation Tools and Tips

  • Use tools like Apple Pages, Google Docs, Scrivener, or online services to export EPUBs with minimal fuss.
  • Choose tools that produce clean EPUB code and test on multiple devices to ensure quality.
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