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EPUB and AZW3: Which eBook Format Is Best for You?
Michael Adams
So, you have just wrapped up your latest masterpiece and are ready to move to the next stage – the publishing part. However, this brings up new challenges. Especially, since the book publishing industry is no longer just about printing paperbacks or hardcovers. It now includes a wide range of digital file formats as well.
Thanks to the consistent evolution of the publishing industry over the past few years. Authors now have to consider different formats and find an EPUB vs Kindle file format that’s best for them.
This not only puts an instant professional spin on their published work. However, from a reader’s perspective, it allows them to access the latest book release in a wide range of eBook formats on various platforms.
eBook Formats: A Basic Overview
eBooks or electronic books are digital books. These can easily be read on your PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and countless other devices. But it depends on the compatibility of your device with the chosen eBook format.
Which eBook File Type is for You?
The best ebook file formats are those that are easily available and are ideal for publishing your books on the digital sphere. Let’s take a look at some of the best ones usually used by authors:
The TXT (.txt) Formats
Text files are one of the simplest eBook file formats used in the industry. Since these are primarily text-based, they don’t support any other visual or audio elements. Such as images or graphs, digital rights management (DRM) protection, or interactivity of any kind.
That’s why TXT files are perfect for text-heavy eBooks, like research papers or reports. The TXT file uses the (.txt) file extension to store data. It usually comprises basic fonts, since the layout is simple.
The PDF (.pdf) Format
Another popular eBook format that most people are generally familiar with is the portable document format or PDF (.pdf). This eBook format is not reflowable. Hence, it is not just ideal for text-heavy books but can also incorporate several different kinds of elements as well. Such as images, illustrations, graphs, etc., to name a few.
What eBook Formats Are the Best to Publish?
Two of the most popular eBook formats used within the industry are EPUB and AZW3, and for good reason, too!
The EPUB (.epub) Format
Electronic publication or EPUB (.epub) is the standard format for eBooks. It is also one of the most popular eBook formats used within the world of digital publishing.
This is a free and open-source system. This means that it’s used by retailers everywhere in the US and across the globe.
E-Readers that most commonly use the EPUB format include Nook, iBook, Kobo, and Google, along with several others. Authors are encouraged to use this format for all their publishing requirements, and it is usually preferred for eBook stores.
Many use this eBook format when they want the Electronic Advance Reader Copy (eARC) version. Its files can be read on any eBook reader device, which makes them optimally accessible.
Most eBook retailers use this format to ensure that the book is neatly aligned and structured well, ready for any platform. This means that EPUB files can easily be opened on various devices.
Furthermore, both CSS and HTML can be used in EPUB. This is the perk of this format that others don’t provide. However, designers can amend and revise simple elements like font size or style, so that they look like real paperbacks on the web if you can’t do it all. You can reach out to the best Amazon e-book publishing service for help!
AZW3 (.azw3) Format
Amazon once relied on the MOBI format, but it has now updated. As of 2022, MOBI uploads are no longer accepted on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Authors who still prepare MOBI files will run into errors because Amazon has fully transitioned to newer and more efficient formats.
Instead, authors are now required to upload their manuscripts in EPUB (.epub). Once submitted, Amazon automatically converts EPUB files into its proprietary AZW3 or KPF formats, which are the actual formats Kindle devices and Kindle apps use to deliver your book to readers.
Note: Proprietary format means the file type is owned and controlled by a specific company, which is Amazon here.
This Shift Is Important for Two Main Reasons
Better Compatibility for Readers
AZW3 files are optimized for Kindle devices, ensuring smoother navigation, adjustable font sizes, and advanced formatting. They support images, tables, enhanced typesetting, and even interactive features, which makes them ideal for both simple novels and complex, design-heavy books.
Stronger Protection for Authors
AZW3 supports DRM (Digital Rights Management). This reduces piracy risks for authors. While Kindle dominates a large share of the eBook market, publishing in a format optimized for this ecosystem helps secure both reach and revenue.
Advantages of EPUB vs AZW3
When looking at AZW3 vs EPUB compatibility, here’s what authors need to know:
EPUB
- Open standard, works across most devices and platforms.
- Great for distribution outside Amazon.
- Supports advanced formatting, multimedia, and interactivity.
AZW3
- Optimized for Kindle devices and apps.
- Supports DRM (digital rights management) to protect author copyrights.
- Enhanced features for Kindle-specific reading experiences.
Factors to Help You Choose the Right eBook Format
Authors may not give much importance to the final format selected for their work. But it does affect the performance of their eBook. Here, we gathered a few pointers on selecting the correct format:
Your Target Consumer
Knowing and understanding your target audience is necessary when you reach the publishing stage. Are you aiming for a younger, more tech-savvy reader or the older ones?
The eBook format that you select can also be determined by the genre of your book. For instance, non-fiction books are either accessible in paperback or digital format.
Most fiction books are available in a variety of formats for readers. Keep this factor in check, and you are good to go!
Your eBook Marketing Strategies
Once you are sure about your target audience, next decide on marketing strategies. This is the time when many authors decide to take the self-publishing route. Self-publishing authors can do this with Amazon. This opens a plethora of resources for them.
Whereas with self-publishing, the book needs to be compatible with several different platforms to access wider audiences. This way, digital books will be available to a large number of people, who can comfortably access the author’s latest release without any hassle.
The Nature of Your eBook Format Template
You need to select a format that supports the nature of your book content. For this reason, most choose EPUB vs AZW for Kindle users. They do this because EPUB supports a variety of interactive elements.
For instance, eBook types such as graphic novel, comic book, or memorabilia are mostly made of images and illustrations. However, sometimes they even include audio and video. That’s why thorough research on the various kinds of eBook formats is required.
The Budget of Your Book Project
Another factor that cannot be ignored is the price point of your chosen eBook format. Authors should thoroughly research this before they move to publishing.
It becomes even more important if you are thinking about self-publishing your book. So, it is better to choose an eBook format that’s compatible while being cost-effective as well.
A good example is BookQuill, which offers premium book printing and an Amazon book publisher service, which can help you a lot!
The Privacy & Security of Your eBook
Privacy and security are often not given much thought, but these are just as imperative. With an EPUB format, digital signatures, encryption, and DRM solutions are incorporated. Thus, the eBook is protected while still being accessible for various reading devices.
On the other hand, security in the AZW3 format is present via content encryption and can be easily synchronized across various devices.
Which One Is Widely Accepted by Retailers in the U.S?
For broad acceptance, EPUB is the clear winner. It is the open-source standard supported by nearly every major eBook retailer in the U.S., including Apple Books, Google Play Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. Even Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, which previously relied on MOBI, now requires authors to upload EPUB files.
This shift highlights EPUB’s versatility, cost-effectiveness, and universal compatibility. For authors seeking maximum distribution and accessibility, EPUB remains the most widely accepted format in the U.S. publishing market.
Which Format should be used in the EPUB or AZW3 Comparison?
Once your eBook is complete, the next thing that you probably want to do is get it published. You probably have done enough Google searches, but still haven’t been able to find an answer. While there are countless options for eBook formats, chances are you may end up using EPUB for obvious reasons.
One, it is quite easy to use, and two, it is among the best ebook formats for Kindle, which is widely used within the industry today! But is it the right choice for you? It ultimately depends on your content, usage, and audience.
Once you have chosen an appropriate eBook format, you are ready to enter the next phase of your book journey, which is the marketing side. Connect with the team of the best Amazon ebook publishing service, BookQuill, and let us guide you with options for finding the best format to create an ebook just for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 Can readers open EPUB files directly on a Kindle device?
Not directly. Kindle devices are designed to use Amazon’s proprietary formats (AZW3, KPF). While you can sometimes sideload EPUBs using conversion tools, the official Kindle platform requires that EPUBs be converted upon upload to KDP. This ensures compatibility with Kindle features like adjustable fonts, highlighting, and syncing across devices.
Q.2 Do I need professional help to format my eBook correctly?
Yes, especially if you’re new to publishing. Many authors choose to hire Amazon book publishing services to avoid formatting errors and maximize distribution. The best Amazon service will handle file preparation, ensure compatibility, and even guide you through marketing.
Q.3 Which is more cost-effective: EPUB or AZW3?
EPUB is free, open-source, and universally compatible. This makes them the most cost-effective option for wide distribution. AZW3 is created automatically when you publish on Amazon Kindle Publishing, so you don’t pay extra, but it only benefits Kindle users.
Q.4 How do I choose the right publishing partner for Kindle formatting?
Choosing the right partner ensures your eBook is error-free and professionally optimized for Amazon’s requirements. Look for expertise in Kindle formatting, metadata optimization, and distribution strategies. The Best Amazon book publishing service will not only handle EPUB to AZW3 conversion but also ensure your listing ranks well and attracts more readers. Many authors prefer combining technical services with marketing support, so they can focus on writing while professionals manage file compatibility, uploads, and visibility.
About Author
Hi, my name is Zachary Stone I’m a book marketing nut — or, as I like to call myself, a “Shelf Marketer.” No, I don’t sell wooden shelves; I market the books that are left forgotten on them. If you want your book to be the next bestseller, I am your go-to person. I am here to remind you that it’s not just about writing a great story — it’s about building a buzz among people with great campaigns.
