Lately I've received quite some requests on how I create my omnibus', or simple questions like 'How do you create these tables of contents?' or 'What software do you use?'.
The way I create my omnis requires quite some manual work and at least a basic understanding of html coding and whatnot. But there is a simple way to create an omnibus yourself without all this fancy stuff and this is the purpose of this guide: to be as easy as possible and probably the best way to do it free of any charges (except the costs of your ebooks, of course).
What this guide doesn't do: fix bad pdf conversion formatting except for titles, insert fancy fonts or similar such complicated stuff, teach you the very basics of how to use your computer, nor replace your own brain
General Information:
First a word of caution: creating omnibus out of your beloved series ebooks is something you do exclusively for your own enjoyment. Keep DRM rules in mind and mobilism posting directives.
I use Calibre (safe link), an efficient and free tool to manage your ebook library. Also, it connects to your amazon, adobe digital editions, i-tunes etc. folders and imports your books. Editing metadata, downloading covers, news, magazins etc., 'save to disk', 'send to device' are some nice basic features. Calibre does copy your book files and creates an own library folder, your original files remain untouched. Even synching your library between different computers with dropbox is possible (with some precautions). The website above has an extended FAQ and (if you're crazy/interested enough) a sophisticated user manual.
In addition, I use diverse plug-ins for Calibre but for the purpose of this guide we need only three: 'Epub Merge', 'Modify Epub' and 'Generate Cover'.
Epub Merge combines your single ebooks into an omnibus automatically, but it doesn't take care of file size bloating or title formatting. With this guide we will do this pretty efficiently with a small effort of time.
Install Calibre
1. Download Calibre from here: http://calibre-ebook.com/
2. Create a folder outside of your C:/program files called Calibre
3. Run the installer and direct the installation to the folder you just created
4. Run Calibre and go to Preferences -> Advanced -> Plugins -> Get new Plugins (at the bottom).
5. Now click on the search bar and type in the box Filter: epub merge, install (yes, it will warn you, but click ok). If you like to split a story from an anthology for example, you maybe want to install epub split from the same developer as well.
6. Now filter for 'Modify epub', install
7. Now filter for 'Generate Cover', install
8. Restart Calibre
For people who like to know a bit or a lot about Calibre and how-to's, here the link to Calibre User Manual: http://manual.calibre-ebook.com/
Create the basic omnibus with Epub Merge
For creating an omnibus you need epub files.
1. Import the single books of your series into Calibre. Drag & drop the files into the middle part of the Calibre window.
2. Right click your book that is in mobi, lit, azw etc. format -> convert ebook -> convert individually -> page setup (left side in the new window).
3. Chose now in the small bottom window the appropriate input profile and in the upper one the output profile corresponding your eReader/other reading device.
4. Make sure the top left and right boxes are displaying the proper input/output format (output needs to be epub). At this point you can also edit the metadata if you prefer. -> click ok
5. Once all your books are converted, highlight all books of the series you want to merge and click on the 'Merge Epub' icon above. Move the books around with the arrows until they are in order of the series, or maybe in a more sensible reading order (which does not always equal the series numbering). -> OK
6. Now a metadata window opens: Insert the information needed, adjust title, author etc., click OK. It may takes a while and freezes Calibre until the omni is created. Done.
Filesize control and editing titles with Edit Book
Now we take care of the file size and some formatting. Please be aware, the best results almost always come from retail or near retail quality epubs.
The pictures can be viewed in full size by right clicking them -> view image. Return to the guide by clicking the return button in your browser.
1. Right click the omnibus -> Edit Book
Now you see something similar to this:
For now only familiar yourself with the layout and check out the File Browser and the Editing Window. It can be that the Preview Window is at the bottom of the file browser: not a problem, click on the top of the preview window and hold, move it to the right side and let it snap into position. Similar you can move around all windows within or even pull them out entirely having them a complete own window. Calibre memorizes your configuration.
Now, if you scroll down the file browser you see different sections: we will ignore Styles, Fonts and Miscellaneous. Scroll back up and double click any of the html files, you will see the text content in the editing window and displayed right next to it in the preview window. We will do very small and easy editing there.
In case of pdf conversions (or how I call them: The Pain in the Ass) and some few azw(3) conversions things will get more complicated, and for format editing you will have to familiar yourself a little with where html tags begin and end. In this guide I've inserted pictures for you to make it a little easier. Also, the general formatting of pdf conversions except for titles will not be better at all.
Of course, if you don't care to format edit pdf conversions, feel free to ignore those extra steps.
Tip: the more html files are opened in the editing window the slower the software gets, especially if saving (recommended) between steps. Close the open html files before saving between steps (especially if your omni is huge) and performance will improve noticeably. And you prevent the software from freezing up and force close.
2. Now go to Tools -> Beautify all files. This will make it easier to do the small format editing later.
3. Double click one by one the html files in the file browser. Right click and delete all files named cover or titlepage.
4. While you go, delete all files containing repeated information like: about author, copyright, synopsis, advertisement etc, except the author page of the last series book, if you like to keep that in the omnibus.
5. PDF/azw conversion: Now you might encounter a series book that contains all its text in only one html file like this :
Look in the editing window for the corresponding copyright etc. and delete those portions including html tags. This example of a pdf conversion shows red squares: the text block to delete. The green squares show an example of a cover/(sub)titlepicture to delete. Scroll down to the very end of the editing window and check there for more repeating information, delete these blocks too. Do this for any occasionally remaining html files of this particular series book, only do not yet delete picture tags containing chapter titles.
6. Once done begin again at the top file. Insert or replace the existing maintitle on top of the beginning of each book with: <br/><br/><br/><h2>Book Title</h2> (or <h1>Book Title</h1> if you prefer a bigger fontsize)
Eventually center it with the word processor function on top of the editing window.
Use in the preview window the small icon with an arrow down right next to the search window (green square in the picture above), and move your mouse with the green bar right under the main title, click. Now you have split the title from the rest of the book thus ensuring appropriate display on reading devices.
7. Check within each html file for chapter titles: replace chapter titles made with pictures (refer to the second picture above: the green squares show an example) with <h3>Chapter XY</h3>
Replace any other chapter titles beginning with <h1.........> and <h2.........> as well with <h3>Chapter XY</h3>
If chapters are not defined with heading tags (<h1/h2/h3>) go to step 8.
Eventually center them with the word processor function on top of the editing window.
8. PDF/azw conversions: sometimes all text is in one html file or the chapter titles are not defined by a <h1/h2/h3> tag. In these cases search in the preview window for chapter (and epilogue, prologue) and use the split icon like above, except set the green bar above the chapter title. Make sure chapters are actually tagged correctly. Here an example:
9. Delete all picture files in the section Images in the file browser.
10. Now we create a cover. Open Calibre or pull it to the front and highlight your omnibus. Click the 'Generate a Cover' icon on top. Import a picture you like by clicking the small, green + icon in the middle of the new window. Now, your creativity is asked: try out, use different fonts, background colors and so on
11. Once you are done change back to the Edit Book window. Go to Tools -> add cover and import your previously generated cover (found usually in your Calibre library folder -> author name -> your omnibus name). Hit OK. Now we have on top in the file browser a new titlepage.xhtml
12. Use 'run check', then click on 'try to correct all fixable errors automatically'. Ideally it tells you now of no errors or only yellow marked ones remain. If there are still red-crossed errors visible and they tell you there are bare body tags in the file (happens with pdf conversions, usually), fix them again automatically. About other remaining red-crossed errors don't worry, Calibre is only being OCD.
13. Generate a simple Table of Contents: go to Tools -> Table of contents -> edit table of contents. Delete the items in the left window and then hit 'generate toc from major headings' and ok. Now go again to Tools -> Table of contents -> Insert inline toc.
14. In the file browser on top is now a new file called toc.xhtml. In the editing window scroll down until you see <body id="calibre_generated_inline_toc"> and change it to <body>. Now move the file in the file browser to after titlepage.xhtml.
15. Click 'smarten punctuation' (quotes Icon), ok
16. Click 'unused CSS rules' (broom icon), ok
17. Save and exit, run 'Modify Epub' with ticked boxes as follows:
- All of Known Artifacts (except De-indent)
- All of Adobe
- Tick 'Remove inline javascript and files', 'Remove broken image pages' and 'Remove non dc:...'
- Edit 24. August 2016 Manifest: nothing here, since Calibre update 2.64 / Modify Epub 1.3.13 the addon will mess with the cover and produce a faulty spine entry.
Conveniently, it adds a metadata jacket if you like one.
18. While the addon is running, Calibre shows at the bottom right corner a "I'm working!!" icon. Once finished, a popup will ask you if the epub can be replaced, click Yes. Calibre will backup the original file and add the modified one to the library.
19. Done. Enjoy your omni
For people who want to dive deeper into how to edit ebooks, here the link to Calibre User Manual, section 'Edit Ebook': http://manual.calibre-ebook.com/edit.html
The way I create my omnis requires quite some manual work and at least a basic understanding of html coding and whatnot. But there is a simple way to create an omnibus yourself without all this fancy stuff and this is the purpose of this guide: to be as easy as possible and probably the best way to do it free of any charges (except the costs of your ebooks, of course).
What this guide doesn't do: fix bad pdf conversion formatting except for titles, insert fancy fonts or similar such complicated stuff, teach you the very basics of how to use your computer, nor replace your own brain
General Information:
First a word of caution: creating omnibus out of your beloved series ebooks is something you do exclusively for your own enjoyment. Keep DRM rules in mind and mobilism posting directives.
I use Calibre (safe link), an efficient and free tool to manage your ebook library. Also, it connects to your amazon, adobe digital editions, i-tunes etc. folders and imports your books. Editing metadata, downloading covers, news, magazins etc., 'save to disk', 'send to device' are some nice basic features. Calibre does copy your book files and creates an own library folder, your original files remain untouched. Even synching your library between different computers with dropbox is possible (with some precautions). The website above has an extended FAQ and (if you're crazy/interested enough) a sophisticated user manual.
In addition, I use diverse plug-ins for Calibre but for the purpose of this guide we need only three: 'Epub Merge', 'Modify Epub' and 'Generate Cover'.
Epub Merge combines your single ebooks into an omnibus automatically, but it doesn't take care of file size bloating or title formatting. With this guide we will do this pretty efficiently with a small effort of time.
Install Calibre
1. Download Calibre from here: http://calibre-ebook.com/
2. Create a folder outside of your C:/program files called Calibre
3. Run the installer and direct the installation to the folder you just created
4. Run Calibre and go to Preferences -> Advanced -> Plugins -> Get new Plugins (at the bottom).
5. Now click on the search bar and type in the box Filter: epub merge, install (yes, it will warn you, but click ok). If you like to split a story from an anthology for example, you maybe want to install epub split from the same developer as well.
6. Now filter for 'Modify epub', install
7. Now filter for 'Generate Cover', install
8. Restart Calibre
For people who like to know a bit or a lot about Calibre and how-to's, here the link to Calibre User Manual: http://manual.calibre-ebook.com/
Create the basic omnibus with Epub Merge
For creating an omnibus you need epub files.
1. Import the single books of your series into Calibre. Drag & drop the files into the middle part of the Calibre window.
2. Right click your book that is in mobi, lit, azw etc. format -> convert ebook -> convert individually -> page setup (left side in the new window).
3. Chose now in the small bottom window the appropriate input profile and in the upper one the output profile corresponding your eReader/other reading device.
4. Make sure the top left and right boxes are displaying the proper input/output format (output needs to be epub). At this point you can also edit the metadata if you prefer. -> click ok
5. Once all your books are converted, highlight all books of the series you want to merge and click on the 'Merge Epub' icon above. Move the books around with the arrows until they are in order of the series, or maybe in a more sensible reading order (which does not always equal the series numbering). -> OK
6. Now a metadata window opens: Insert the information needed, adjust title, author etc., click OK. It may takes a while and freezes Calibre until the omni is created. Done.
Filesize control and editing titles with Edit Book
Now we take care of the file size and some formatting. Please be aware, the best results almost always come from retail or near retail quality epubs.
The pictures can be viewed in full size by right clicking them -> view image. Return to the guide by clicking the return button in your browser.
1. Right click the omnibus -> Edit Book
Now you see something similar to this:
For now only familiar yourself with the layout and check out the File Browser and the Editing Window. It can be that the Preview Window is at the bottom of the file browser: not a problem, click on the top of the preview window and hold, move it to the right side and let it snap into position. Similar you can move around all windows within or even pull them out entirely having them a complete own window. Calibre memorizes your configuration.
Now, if you scroll down the file browser you see different sections: we will ignore Styles, Fonts and Miscellaneous. Scroll back up and double click any of the html files, you will see the text content in the editing window and displayed right next to it in the preview window. We will do very small and easy editing there.
In case of pdf conversions (or how I call them: The Pain in the Ass) and some few azw(3) conversions things will get more complicated, and for format editing you will have to familiar yourself a little with where html tags begin and end. In this guide I've inserted pictures for you to make it a little easier. Also, the general formatting of pdf conversions except for titles will not be better at all.
Of course, if you don't care to format edit pdf conversions, feel free to ignore those extra steps.
Tip: the more html files are opened in the editing window the slower the software gets, especially if saving (recommended) between steps. Close the open html files before saving between steps (especially if your omni is huge) and performance will improve noticeably. And you prevent the software from freezing up and force close.
2. Now go to Tools -> Beautify all files. This will make it easier to do the small format editing later.
3. Double click one by one the html files in the file browser. Right click and delete all files named cover or titlepage.
4. While you go, delete all files containing repeated information like: about author, copyright, synopsis, advertisement etc, except the author page of the last series book, if you like to keep that in the omnibus.
5. PDF/azw conversion: Now you might encounter a series book that contains all its text in only one html file like this :
Look in the editing window for the corresponding copyright etc. and delete those portions including html tags. This example of a pdf conversion shows red squares: the text block to delete. The green squares show an example of a cover/(sub)titlepicture to delete. Scroll down to the very end of the editing window and check there for more repeating information, delete these blocks too. Do this for any occasionally remaining html files of this particular series book, only do not yet delete picture tags containing chapter titles.
6. Once done begin again at the top file. Insert or replace the existing maintitle on top of the beginning of each book with: <br/><br/><br/><h2>Book Title</h2> (or <h1>Book Title</h1> if you prefer a bigger fontsize)
Eventually center it with the word processor function on top of the editing window.
Use in the preview window the small icon with an arrow down right next to the search window (green square in the picture above), and move your mouse with the green bar right under the main title, click. Now you have split the title from the rest of the book thus ensuring appropriate display on reading devices.
7. Check within each html file for chapter titles: replace chapter titles made with pictures (refer to the second picture above: the green squares show an example) with <h3>Chapter XY</h3>
Replace any other chapter titles beginning with <h1.........> and <h2.........> as well with <h3>Chapter XY</h3>
If chapters are not defined with heading tags (<h1/h2/h3>) go to step 8.
Eventually center them with the word processor function on top of the editing window.
8. PDF/azw conversions: sometimes all text is in one html file or the chapter titles are not defined by a <h1/h2/h3> tag. In these cases search in the preview window for chapter (and epilogue, prologue) and use the split icon like above, except set the green bar above the chapter title. Make sure chapters are actually tagged correctly. Here an example:
9. Delete all picture files in the section Images in the file browser.
10. Now we create a cover. Open Calibre or pull it to the front and highlight your omnibus. Click the 'Generate a Cover' icon on top. Import a picture you like by clicking the small, green + icon in the middle of the new window. Now, your creativity is asked: try out, use different fonts, background colors and so on
11. Once you are done change back to the Edit Book window. Go to Tools -> add cover and import your previously generated cover (found usually in your Calibre library folder -> author name -> your omnibus name). Hit OK. Now we have on top in the file browser a new titlepage.xhtml
12. Use 'run check', then click on 'try to correct all fixable errors automatically'. Ideally it tells you now of no errors or only yellow marked ones remain. If there are still red-crossed errors visible and they tell you there are bare body tags in the file (happens with pdf conversions, usually), fix them again automatically. About other remaining red-crossed errors don't worry, Calibre is only being OCD.
13. Generate a simple Table of Contents: go to Tools -> Table of contents -> edit table of contents. Delete the items in the left window and then hit 'generate toc from major headings' and ok. Now go again to Tools -> Table of contents -> Insert inline toc.
14. In the file browser on top is now a new file called toc.xhtml. In the editing window scroll down until you see <body id="calibre_generated_inline_toc"> and change it to <body>. Now move the file in the file browser to after titlepage.xhtml.
15. Click 'smarten punctuation' (quotes Icon), ok
16. Click 'unused CSS rules' (broom icon), ok
17. Save and exit, run 'Modify Epub' with ticked boxes as follows:
- All of Known Artifacts (except De-indent)
- All of Adobe
- Tick 'Remove inline javascript and files', 'Remove broken image pages' and 'Remove non dc:...'
- Edit 24. August 2016 Manifest: nothing here, since Calibre update 2.64 / Modify Epub 1.3.13 the addon will mess with the cover and produce a faulty spine entry.
Conveniently, it adds a metadata jacket if you like one.
18. While the addon is running, Calibre shows at the bottom right corner a "I'm working!!" icon. Once finished, a popup will ask you if the epub can be replaced, click Yes. Calibre will backup the original file and add the modified one to the library.
19. Done. Enjoy your omni
For people who want to dive deeper into how to edit ebooks, here the link to Calibre User Manual, section 'Edit Ebook': http://manual.calibre-ebook.com/edit.html
Last edited by Soire on Aug 24th, 2016, 1:42 pm, edited 2 times in total.
I think my brain likes your fangirl crush! 
