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How to Compile an eBook in Scrivener
Edited 2 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
ScrivenereBookCompilePublishingMacDigitalePubToolsWriting
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Scrivener is a popular writing software used by authors, screenwriters, and researchers. It offers a variety of features that help organize and structure writing projects. One of the most important features is compiling, which is the process of exporting your Scrivener project into ebook formats like PDF, Word Document, and ePub or MOBI. In this guide, we'll focus on how you can compile an ebook using Scrivener, outlining every step in detail.
Understanding the basics
Before jumping into the step-by-step guide, it's essential to understand some of the basics of Scrivener. When you're working on a project in Scrivener, your writing is divided into different sections or documents. These can include chapters, scenes, notes, and references. Scrivener allows you to keep everything well-organized in its binder view.
The compilation process in Scrivener is the method by which you export these organized sections into a continuous document that readers can access.
A step-by-step guide to compiling an eBook in Scrivener
1. Preparing your manuscript
The first step to compiling an ebook in Scrivener is to make sure your manuscript is ready. Make sure all sections, chapters, and scenes are arranged in the order you want them to appear in the final ebook. Scrivener's drag-and-drop feature in the binder makes this easy.
Additionally, make sure that title pages, such as the cover page, preface, acknowledgements, introduction, and any other sections are included in the binder. Review all sections and make any necessary edits before beginning the compilation process.
2. Accessing the compilation feature
To start the compilation process, go to the File menu, and select Compile. Alternatively, you can also click the Compile button in the toolbar. This will open the Compile window, which provides various options for exporting your project.
3. Selecting the format
In the Compile window, you'll see several options for file formats to export your project. If you plan to publish your work in digital format, choose ePub or MOBI. ePub is widely supported across many e-readers and is often the preferred format for Apple Books, Kobo, and other platforms. MOBI, on the other hand, is a format primarily used for Amazon Kindle.
4. Choosing a compilation format preset
Scrivener offers a variety of compilation format presets that define what your document will look like. These presets include the following options: Manuscript, Paperback Novel, Standard Manuscript Format, and more. When compiling an ebook, choose a preset that corresponds with e-publishing, such as "Modern eBook".
It is important to understand that these presets control many aspects of the structure and display of your document. This includes managing headings, separators, page numbering, etc.
5. Adjusting the layout and formatting
After selecting your format preset, it's important to adjust the layout and formatting to suit your specific needs. This includes setting title formatting for chapters, customizing font styles, and deciding whether to include items like footnotes or annotations.
In the Formatting pane, locate options to control the font size, alignment, and structure of heading elements. Making these adjustments will ensure that the ebook reflects the layout and appearance you want.
Although some platforms have specific formatting requirements, it's always a good practice to maintain consistency throughout your document to ensure your readers have a seamless experience.
6. Arranging the front and back part
Front and back matter refers to the sections that typically surround the main content of your book, including the title page, copyright notice, and author biography. These sections can be customized in Scrivener.
Make sure the body includes the title of your ebook and your name as the author. Consider adding an introduction or table of contents, if applicable. In the back section, you may want to include references, author's notes, or an about the author section.
Scrivener allows you to easily organize these sections. Again, use the binder view to arrange them in the correct order before compiling.
7. Set up metadata
Metadata is essential for ebooks because it contains information used by ereaders to display your book and help categorize it on digital bookstores. To access metadata, click the Meta-data tab in the Compilation window.
Fill in basic metadata information, including the book title, author's name, publication date, and a short description that can serve as a short description. Adding keywords can help search engines and online bookstores better index and categorize your ebook.
8. Configuring the table of contents
Scrivener can automatically generate a table of contents for your ebook. A proper table of contents helps readers read your book easily. Make sure the "Generate HTML Table of Contents" formatting option is selected during the compilation process.
You can customize the table of contents by adjusting the formatting settings. For example, you might want headers for different sections, or perhaps you want to include page numbers next to chapter headings.
9. Compilation of e-books
Once you've configured everything from the layout to the metadata, you're ready to compile the ebook. Click the Compile button in the Compile window and choose where to save the exported file on your computer.
In this step, Scrivener will process your entire project into the selected ebook format, making sure that chapters and other sections are aligned correctly. Depending on the size of your manuscript and the specifications of your computer, this process may take a while.
10. Compiled eBook review
After the compilation process is complete, it is important to review the compiled ebook file for any formatting or structural errors. The best way to review an ebook is to open it using an ereader or ereader software compatible with the file format you compiled, such as Adobe Digital Editions for ePub or Kindle Previewer for MOBI.
Pay close attention to chapter headings, font styles, images, and table of contents links, making sure everything is working as expected. If you find any problems, consider making adjustments in Scrivener and recompiling the ebook.
11. Finalization and publication
Once you are satisfied with the compiled eBook, the final step is to distribute or publish your eBook on online platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Apple Books, or Kobo Writing Life, where your readers can access and download it.
When publishing, make sure all required steps are followed for the specific platform you are using, including uploading cover art, setting pricing, and adjusting available fields.
Conclusion
Compiling an ebook using Scrivener may initially seem daunting as there are so many options available. However, by following this detailed guide, you will be well-equipped to produce professional-quality ebooks suitable for a variety of platforms. As you become more comfortable with the process and tools within Scrivener, you will be able to streamline the process and create engaging ebooks efficiently and effectively.
Keep practicing, and you'll soon find that compiling an ebook is not only possible, but a vital step in turning your writing into a polished, deliverable product. Happy writing and compiling!
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