Multiple formats of the same document using a master copy

thefuzzy0ne · Newbie Joined: 31 Jul 2012 Posts: 3

Hi, all!

I'm currently working on a book, which I'd like to be available in at least 3 formats.

1) Printed paperback
2) PDF
3) Amazon Kindle

The problem I have is that I'd like to find some way to do this so that I can have one master copy, and export the document into different formats with different configurations. For example, the eBook will be in a different font from to the paperback version. I also suspect the page numbering will vary too, as the page size will be different.

Is there any way I can maintain a master copy and generate other formats from that? I've had a look around and I can't seem to find any advice on the subject, although it wouldn't surprise me if I wasn't searching for the right terms.

I'd really appreciate any help on the matter.

Many thanks in advance.

jrkrideau

thefuzzy0ne · Newbie Joined: 31 Jul 2012 Posts: 3

Thanks for your reply.

However, I'm wondering if there's a method available that will allow me to edit a master copy of the document, and for the changes to propagate down to the others. The book is likely to be updated several times a year as it's based on politics. Rather than have to edit several documents, I'd like to be able to just edit the one, and have different styles applied in the other documents. For example, the default style in the press copy may have the font set to Times New Roman (12pt), and the Kindle version may have the default style font set to Verdana (10pt).

Hopefully that makes things a little clearer?

Thanks again for your reply.

thefuzzy0ne · Newbie Joined: 31 Jul 2012 Posts: 3

I think I've semi-solved my own problem. I came across this, which seems to be about something similar to what I'm trying to achieve.

I've also discovered that if you click on File -> New, there is an option to create a Master Document. However, since the styles in the master document override those of the sub documents, I think I might need to do it the other way, and have 3 master documents that have their own styles and somehow link to the "actual" master document.

Thanks, jrkrideau and anyone else who read this post and wanted to help but was unable to.

Alki · General User Joined: 29 Aug 2012 Posts: 7

On my way to publish my first novel "Kea, The Third Way" I tried many softwares to convert my book to Amazon format. It was a tedious process, and the resulting ebook was quite bland.
This prompted me to write a software that converts OpenOffice or LibreOffice files to Kindle and Nook formats. It's very easy to use and has a couple of features to enhance the look of your ebook.
It is free and can be downloaded from here:
http://soft.alkinea.net

Let me know if it helps you!