What is an EPUB file?
EPUB is the file type used for most eReaders, or easily converted for eReaders like Kindle via software and other methods. It's made in a way (via e.g. HTML/CSS) so that you can adjust font size, have text flow easily, and more on your eReader.
What is sideloading?
You may hear people refer to getting your EPUB or other files onto an eReader as "sideloading;" this just means you're putting the file directly onto a device like a USB drive, or in this case, your Kindle/eReader. It's a fast way to differentiate purchasing and downloading a book from your built-in store or via WiFi.
How do I get the EPUB onto my eReader (sideloading and other options)?
- Most eReaders: download Calibre and use it to manage your books and files, when the device is plugged into a computer.
- Kindle: use their Send to Kindle feature, or use Calibe as noted above (sideloading; it will convert your file to Mobi).
- Kobo: Connect your device to a computer and load using these instructions.
- Boox Readers: Author Stephen Hunt has a great article on loading via computer.
- Tablets/Phones: Most will have an app (like Apple Books or Google Play Books) that will open the file automatically when you click it. Download via the email link, then open the file and select a book reader app to view.
In general, most eReaders allow you to drop files via computer<>USB connection, though Kindle is often the weird one.
Does the EPUB have DRM (Digital Rights Management) or other protections?
Generally, no! There is a 3-download limit on the file sent to you via email, just to be safe, but if you have a case for downloading more times, please feel free to reach out. I don't use DRM because I want this book to be read, not sold. I may take certain other safety precautions, but I choose to be optimistic: if you're sharing it, people are reading.
What are the differences in buying from a third-party platform (like Kobo) versus buying directly from the author's website?
It's possible that by using sideloading, especially when it gets converted via tools like Calibre to MOBI or other formats, that the design and HTML gets a bit wonky. I've experienced this and am working on the file to see if i can fix that for Kindle specifically, through HTML fixes, but some issues persist.
Purchasing directly through your usual platform (if offered - Amazon is not) allows you to get the book instantly on your device, in some cases, without sideloading, etc.
However, the benefit is that you get it for cheaper and you completely own the file/book. I will publish regular updates to the file you get from this site if I find ways to fix certain cross-platform bugs. You'll receive a notification, and can download the new version whenever it's updated, if you'd like. If you've hit your 3-limit download, contact me here and I can provide additional downloads for bug-related updates.