While your book is being written, it is highly recommended that you download backups to your local computer on a regular basis. The server should be backed up as a matter of course, but in case of disaster it is safer to keep your own copies of your work in a separate location. The recommended format for backups is EPUB, because this type of file can be easily re-uploaded and edited, should the worst happen.
You can export copies of your book at any time from the Publish section. When your book is ready for publication, or if you simply want to download the work in progress, click the Publish button in the top right corner of the interface.
This action opens the Publish section, displaying the Book export, Export history and notification areas. The notifications area displays what you need to have in mind before exporting.
Each export format has a checkbox to enable it, and a settings link beneath. Before exporting your book to any of these formats, click the settings link to adjust the output parameters, and the pop-up Book Settings wizard will appear.
EPUB3 and Book Store settings
EPUB and Store exports have only two setting steps in the wizard, Cover and Styling.
Click the Save button to return to the Publish section, or click Next to go to Styling. The step is for any additional CSS required to adjust the appearance of the book. For example, you might wish all main headings (the H1 element of HTML) to be underlined, you would add this to CSS and Save.
h1 { text-decoration: underline; }
Exporting one or more formats
Once you are satisfied with the output settings, check the boxes for the formats you require, and then click the Export your Book button.
Depending on the size and complexity of your book, the export can take from a few seconds to a minute or two. The message Exporting, please wait will be shown.
Once the export has completed, the timestamp of the export will be shown in the Export History area. Click on the blue button to download the exported file.
If you have exported multiple formats, corresponding download buttons will be shown. Click the chevron to the left of the export timestamp to expand a list showing the download size of each output file.
Deleting or commenting on an export
If you don't want to leave an export on the server for any reason, click the Action drop-down menu on the right side of the export timestamp, then select Remove export. You will be prompted to make sure you really do want to remove it, as all files in this export will be deleted. This action cannot be undone.
Alternatively, you can leave a comment on the export for your fellow authors and editors by selecting Comment from the Action menu. When you have typed in your comment, click the Send Comment button to attach it to this particular timestamped entry in the Export History.
