How To Covert a Word Document To an EPUP File
If you are planning to “go wide” (i.e., publish on a variety of vendors, not just Amazon), learning to convert a Word document to an EPUB file can be very beneficial. The EPUB is the industry standard used by all digital platforms, even Amazon as of 2021. This means you need only ONE file that you can upload to any of them.
Several quick and easy methods exist to create an EPUB. Below, I list the ones I like best. But keep in mind that converting a Word file to an EPUB always comes with a risk of translation errors, which means your book may not display properly. Here’s a good rule of thumb: using less formatting and doing it correctly (with styles) makes for a better conversion. Afterward, you should always preview your converted file to check for errors. Building your EPUB from scratch is the only way to “hardwire” your coding so your book displays perfectly on every e-reader every time. (This is a service I offer.)
Draft2Digital
This is the method I believe to be the easiest and most user friendly. The conversion process sometimes creates spacing/centering/etc. glitches that need to be cleaned up later, but I have never experienced this with Draft2Digital’s software. To get started, you need only to sign up for a D2D account, follow their intuitive upload process, and download your converted EPUB file. If you wish to publish to D2D’s associated vendors, continue through the end of their module, but you don’t have to. Their generous terms allow you to use their software and take your file elsewhere.
Reedsy Studio
This is another beginner-friendly method that I have heard great things about, though I have not personally used it. The cloud-based tool allows you to format and export your file as an EPUB.
Calibre
Calibre is a free, open-source software program that you will use again and again. It will convert Word documents to a variety of file formats, though I have found the EPUBs it creates to be glitchy. I have used it many times, however, to edit metadata or add a cover image to an EPUB that I converted elsewhere.
Sigil
Sigil is another free, open-source software program that I use extensively, though it does have a bit of a learning curve. Sigil does not convert files to EPUB. Rather, it’s a handy tool for making changes to an existing EPUB. I use it to build my EPUBs from the ground up. It’s a labor-intensive process, but it results in zero glitches. Text and pictures stay exactly as you format them. It also has a more extensive metadata editor than Calibre.
You can also purchase software designed specifically for writing. Programs include Scrivener, Atticus, Ativist, Vellum, and PressBooks. They come with a range of price tags and will usually export your file as an EPUB.
Finally, you can find a number of free conversion sites in a Google search. Some will limit the number of conversions you can do without a paid plan. Others will limit file size. Some will give you the option of including a cover image right in the file while others may not. Look around and find one that works for you.
Keep in mind that whatever method you choose, you will want to double-check your new EPUB to make sure everything converted to your satisfaction. Most vendors allow you to preview your file after you upload it and before you publish. Take this opportunity to scroll through and see how it will present on your audience’s e-readers. If you find something that converted incorrectly, you can always pop your file into Sigil and tweak it until you are satisfied.