StreetLib is constantly on the move, developing and integrating advanced tools and services designed to provide indie publishers and authors with a seamless, intuitive publishing and distribution experience. As the book publishing industry moves toward digital transformation across multiple formats and workflows, we're here to prepare you for the future!
In this new blog series, we're breaking down the latest enhancements to the StreetLib platform, keeping you informed and ready to leverage these resources.
EPub File Accessibility Check | StreetLib HUB
We've integrated the ACE tool (Accessibility Checker for EPUB) in the English Language HUB. This new function allows you to test the accessibility of your EPUB files within StreetLib HUB before they go to publication.
This is important because the European Accessibility Act will make new rules for ebook accessibility mandatory by June 28, 2025, and European and global e-retailers and reading platforms are rapidly adapting to these standards. To be accessible, an ebook must be adapted to use assistive technology for visually or sensory impaired people. As a bonus, accessible ebooks are ideally structured for text-to-voice and other digital reading applications.
How to Use the ACE Tool
Once you've finished completing metadata entry and file upload for publishing, you can select the new accessibility icon. Our system performs an automatic check, generating an in-depth report of accessibility specifications, metadata, and identifying potential critical issues.
Through StreetLib Write, our digital ebook processing tool, you can independently resolve these glitches if you have an Unlimited Subscription. This tool has been recently updated to equip you to either create an accessible ebook from scratch or adjust an existing EPUB file.
Remember: an ebook that satisfies all accessibility requirements isn't validated. The two don't always converge. Successful ebook distribution requires a structurally sound epub format that passes the ePubCheck validation per the IDPF (International Digital Publishing Forum) specifications. StreetLib can automate this ePubCheck validation process for you.
Though the ePubCheck is imperative for successful distribution, the lack of accessibility requirements doesn’t obstruct ebook distribution. It just helps you stay ahead of the new legal requirements.
For more about ePub validation, visit this page.
Ebook Store Feedback | StreetLib HUB
Online bookstores implement extensive content checks for their specific guidelines. When your book isn't available online or in certain stores post-publication, it may have violated some store-specific guidelines. To help with these checks and amplify your control over your titles' distribution, we've integrated the option to generate store reports on StreetLib HUB.
How to Use Ebook Store Feedback
For each book, find the "Ebook Store Feedback" icon under Book Info to review and resolve bookstore feedback. Each report offers corrective guidelines; when you've rectified the concern, click on 'I solved it!'
Managing links to online stores | StreetLib HUB
We've added a section within the HUB record specifically for compiling links to titles available across online stores. You can refresh or generate the links list whenever necessary through the Update Link List button, even alter the URL when needed. You can also generate and download a comprehensive links report to stores via the Report Requests option on the main menu.
New consumption data for subscription applications | StreetLib Dashboard
To empower you with comprehensive distribution insights, we've added a dedicated segment to the Analytics section for subscription-application consumption data to show how much time readers have spent with your books.
Stay tuned to our blog for further feature updates as we continuously strive to simplify and improve your publishing journey with us!