The success of our desktop publishing workflow relies on getting word processing documents into XML as soon as possible. Xmplar uses an XML-first workflow, which means we convert content into DocBook 5 chunks to the client's specifications then do all markup, editing and reviewing in XML right through to final typesetting.

We avoid moving documents to word processing formats then back to XML, because it means double-handling of text, makes editing more prone to transcription errors and it slows down publishing. Ultimately, "roundtripping" between formats is inefficient and can cost the client.

That's why we ensure clients obtain a licensed copy of XML authoring software as part of each job. We also provide a training tutorial to get authors up and running quickly. Each client installs and registers their XML authoring software, so they can review our edits without enduring the difficulties and time constraints of converting text to word processing formats.

Authors don't need to know XML to use XML—the authoring software we use is intuitive and has the look and feel of a word processor, so authors can quickly review our edits without the need for intensive training.

Because we are editors, we can only take on data conversion of documents as part of the editing process. We don't handle conversion of legacy documents to XML.