Most modern literary works are initially authored on computers, using such word processing programs as Microsoft’s Word, Corel’s WordPerfect, Apple’s Pages, or The Document Foundation’s LibreOffice Writer. These programs will typically create WORD (.doc) files.
Once the literary work has been created as a WORD (.doc) file, it must be converted into an ebook file. There are a number of ebook file formats. (The EPUB format is among the most common and, for the purpose of this discussion, will serve as an example.) There are a number of ways in which this can be done.
One way is to use one of several automated online services which will convert a WORD document into an ebook file. These services typically provide guides indicating how WORD files are to be formatted so that their automated conversion processes will work. Unfortunately these services suffer from a number of limitations.
Limitations of Automated Online Ebook Creation Services
In practice, they suffer from the ‘Garbage-In = Garbage-Out’ syndrome. Small errors in formatting can result in such errors in the final ebook as words run together and paragraph breaks occurring in the middle of sentences. These create mental speed bumps for readers and degrade the reader’s impression of the ebook, of the author, and of the publisher. As an author, you should be concentrating on your text rather than on the minutiae of ebook formatting.
As well, automated online ebook creation facilities are typically unable to efficiently solve such formatting problems as those involving graphics, sidebars, or other elements that will enhance the visual presentation of a literary work. As well, they do not make good use of the ebook medium in that they do not provide a means to enhance the visual presentation of such text elements as correspondence between characters, script elements, and others which go beyond simple narration and dialogue.
These automated online services may be adequate for books involving simple text and dialogue but are not suitable for anything beyond that.
The LaBeag Advantage
By contrast, LaBeag creates individual ebooks from scratch, directly in native ebook formats. This eliminates the need to deal with a black box (A black box accepts input and produces output but the methodology used within it is unknown.) conversion process. As well, LaBeag tests its ebooks on a number of ebook readers. Using LaBeag’s ebook creation process, it is much less likely that a human reader will be distracted by formatting errors.
LaBeag’s growing style library enables us to quickly and correctly enhance the visual presentation of a text. The content becomes more accessible and reading more enjoyable.