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As digital publishing continues to gain momentum, more authors, publishers, and content creators are turning to eBook conversion to reach a wider, tech-savvy audience. Whether you’re converting a novel, a textbook, or a corporate training manual, the goal is clear: produce a clean, readable, and professional-looking digital book.

However, converting your manuscript into an eBook format like ePub or MOBI is not always straightforward. In fact, many people unknowingly commit errors that affect the readability, accessibility, and even the marketability of their eBooks.

In this post, we’ll explore five common eBook conversion mistakes and how to avoid them to ensure your digital book looks great on any device and delivers a smooth reading experience.

1. Ignoring Proper Formatting Before Conversion

The Mistake:

One of the most frequent issues is failing to properly format the source document (usually in Word, InDesign, or PDF) before initiating the conversion.

Why It Matters:

eBook conversion formats are reflowable—meaning text adjusts to different screen sizes and reader preferences. Poor formatting (such as hard line breaks, inconsistent heading levels, or excessive tab spacing) can lead to chaotic, unreadable content post-conversion.

How to Avoid It: ● Use styles (Heading 1, Normal, etc.) instead of manual formatting ● Avoid using the spacebar or tab key for alignment ● Create a clean and consistent structure using built-in tools ● Test a small section before converting the full book

2. Not Embedding or Licensing Fonts

The Mistake:

Using custom or fancy fonts without embedding them or ensuring they are licensed for eBook use.

Why It Matters:

If your chosen fonts aren’t embedded—or are unavailable on a reader’s device—your eBook may display with fallback fonts, ruining your design and readability.

How to Avoid It:

● Stick to web-safe or eBook-friendly fonts like Georgia, Arial, or Times

● Embed fonts where possible, especially in fixed-layout eBooks

● Check font licensing if you're using premium or downloaded fonts

● Use CSS font rules correctly in ePub files

3. Skipping Image Optimization

The Mistake:

Failing to resize, compress, or format images properly for eBook formats.

Why It Matters:

Large, high-resolution images can cause slow loading, increased file size, and even conversion errors. Additionally, image formats like BMP or TIFF may not display correctly in ePub readers.

How to Avoid It:

● Use JPEG or PNG formats for best compatibility

● Keep image resolution around 300 dpi for print, but 72–150 dpi for eBooks

● Use alt text for accessibility and SEO

● Compress images without sacrificing quality

4. Poor Table of Contents (TOC) Structure

The Mistake:

Creating an incomplete or non-functional TOC—or skipping it entirely.

Why It Matters:

An eBook’s table of contents is essential for navigation. Without a working TOC, users may become frustrated and leave negative reviews or stop reading altogether.

How to Avoid It:

● Create a logical hierarchy with proper heading tags

● Use your authoring tool’s “Insert TOC” or export feature

● Ensure the TOC is linked and functions in the final format

● Test it in multiple devices (Kindle, Apple Books, etc.)

5. Not Testing Across Devices and Platforms

The Mistake:

Publishing an eBook without thoroughly testing it across various platforms and devices.

Why It Matters:

An eBook that looks great on one device might display incorrectly on another. Compatibility issues can include spacing errors, broken links, and non-responsive images.

How to Avoid It:

● Test your eBook on multiple eReaders (Kindle, Kobo, Nook, Apple Books)

● Use emulators or preview tools (e.g., Kindle Previewer, Calibre)

● Ask others to test it for fresh perspectives

● Fix all issues before publishing or distributing

Bonus Tips for Seamless eBook Conversion

● Always validate your ePub files using tools like EpubCheck

● Keep your file structure clean—organize text, styles, and media properly

● Don’t rely solely on automated converters—manual tweaks are often required

● Consider hiring a professional formatting or conversion service for important projects

Final Thoughts

Creating a flawless eBook takes more than just hitting “convert.” It requires attention to detail, testing, and a clear understanding of how digital formats work. By avoiding these five common conversion mistakes, you’ll not only enhance your reader’s experience but also increase your eBook’s professionalism, accessibility, and long-term success.

Remember, your eBook represents your brand, story, or business—so make it count.