Chapisha: docx to standards-compliant epub3 conversion
What is it?
Chapisha provides an intuitive method for converting a well-formatted Microsoft Word .docx file into a
standards-compliant EPUB3 ebook.
There are only a small number of steps required to create your .epub, and Chapisha will provide an appropriate
stylesheet and take care of document structure:
- Set the working directory where you want to create your
.epub, - Define and validate the metadata required for the creative work,
- Import the
docxfile, - Import the cover image,
- Define and add any contributors, such as cover artist,
- Define your creative work's publication rights,
- Add in an optional dedication,
- Build your creative work as an EPUB3 standards-compliant ebook.
Why use it?
Chapisha is easy-to-use, quick, and fits into your workflow.
There are a multitude of .epub conversion tools but few that support the day-to-day workflow and tools used by most
jobbing writers: Microsoft Word.
Chapisha draws on Pandoc for document conversion and ebook creation, adding a simple, stateless Python frame around it, which means you can also include it in a web application.
Installation and dependencies
You'll need at least Python 3.9, then:
pip install chapisha
You will also need to install Pandoc and Java:
sudo apt install pandoc default-jre
Changelog
The version history can be found in the changelog.
Background
Chapisha was created to serve my needs as both a formally, and self-published, author. I have written two novels - Lament for the fallen and Our memory like dust - and a number of short stories. These works are available to read online, and to download as an ebook.
Chapisha is the Swahili word for 'publish' or 'post'.
Licence
Other licenced elements:
- Samara logo is copyright Whythawk and Qwyre.
- Cover photo is copyright Rodd Halstead, licenced under commercial terms to Whythawk, and used here for test purposes.
- Usan Abasi's Lament is copyright Gavin Chait, licenced CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 and used here for test purposes.
