Uploading and Converting Content
Tip: Before we get into the details for getting your content uploaded and converted, here's a quick summary: - 1. First you get the text of your content from your computer to DTP.
- 2. Then DTP converts your document to display well on the Amazon Kindle.
- 3. You get an opportunity to look at the converted content, so you can download, edit, and re-upload it if you think some of the formatting looks off. Or you can skip that step and publish it immediately without further editing.
Amazon DTP supports several document formats for uploading and conversion (HTML, unencrypted .mobi eBook files, Microsoft Word (.doc), plain text (.txt) and Adobe PDF). However, depending on the pre-existing formatting of those documents, it is very important that you upload them in the most compatible format. That way, very little formatting information is lost in the process.
Note: The preferred format for uploading content is as a single HTML file. To include images, provide a ZIP file that includes the images as well as the HTML file that refers to them (check the formatting guides to find out how to link to images from HTML). The HTML and image files all have to be in the same folder inside the zip file.
If you don't want to directly create HTML, the best option is to "Save As" or "Export To" HTML from your favorite Word Processor. Try to choose a "Save As" or "Export" option that will provide a 'single' or 'filtered' HTML file. You can also use any text editor to create a simple HTML file -- refer to our formatting guides for more information.
Amazon DTP provides support for Microsoft Word .doc files. We recommend that you use 'Save As HTML' (in a filtered or simplified format, if available) your documents before uploading them. However, standard .doc files will often convert without a hitch.
Plain text (.txt) files are supported, but you have to ensure that they are first properly formatted. The Amazon Kindle automatically re-flows and re-sizes text depending on font size and similar factors. This means that you need to use as little formatting as possible in your text files. Use as few hard line breaks (ends of lines terminated by hitting 'Enter') as possible. Ideally, every paragraph of your text will be one long line that is automatically wrapped in Notepad (or similar editors) at the edge of the editor screen, and re-flows the text when you resize that window.
Adobe PDF files are supported, but the quality of conversion is difficult to guarantee, as the PDF format is optimized for printing (either on paper or on a pre-defined screen size, such as letter or A4). Similarly, PDF files are often saved with text that is represented by an image, rather than actual letters. You can test the compatibility of a PDF file by trying to copy and paste text out of it in Adobe Reader and into another text editor, such as Notepad or Word. If the text copies and pastes (i.e. extracts) well, it will probably convert well. However, if trying to copy and paste text from Adobe Reader seems to fail, for instance selecting the entire screen (turning it blue), the file may not convert at all. Encrypted PDF files (e.g. requiring a password or remote activation) are not supported.
Amazon DTP also fully supports eBooks created in the .mobi format if they are unencrypted. You can use the free MobiPocket Creator and upload the resulting mobi file.
Uploading
After you’ve entered some details about your content, it’s time to upload your content to Digital Text Platform so it can be converted.
Start by clicking the plus [+] sign next to “Upload and Preview Media.”
Now you should see the Upload & Preview form. It works like many other similar web forms, allowing you to browse your hard drive for your digital content and upload it to the Digital Text Platform server.
Tip: The progress bubbles above the form tell you what steps you’ve completed for this content. Now steps 1 and 2 are “Complete.”
To upload content:
1. Click Browse.
2. Navigate to the folder on your computer that contains the media you want to publish.
3. Select the file you want to upload and click Open.
4. Click Upload.
Note:If the content you are uploading is in HTML format and contains images or multiple files, you'll need to compress all files into a .zip file before uploading. Please ensure that there are no sub-folders inside the ZIP file -- ideally put all the HTML and image content into a single folder or directory.
Preview Content
Once your content has been uploaded, the Preview button appears. Now you can have a look your converted content in a browser window.
To preview your content, click the Preview button.
The preview is an approximation of how your content will look on the Amazon Kindle wireless reading device. All headers, text formatting, and images should be in place.
Advanced: Download & Modify
Digital Text Platform compresses the converted content into a .zip file which contains an HTML file of your text content, as well as any images included in or extracted from your content. If you are familiar with basic HTML tags, you can refine the formatting and layout of your content. For detailed instructions, see Modify Converted Content.
To download your converted content:
1. Click the Download button.
2. Choose a location on your hard drive to which to save the .zip file.
For additional information, see Modify Converted Content.
Next Steps:
• Enter Price
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