Editors can make ebooks: The potential for desktop digital publishing

This inaugural white paper of Xmplar outlines the feasibility of editors adopting extensible markup language (XML) technologies to support the development of digital publishing in Australia. The paper encapsulates the knowledge and experiences gained over two years learning XML editing and publishing technologies, and assessing Australian and international markets and trends following the global boom in ebook production.

This white paper is based on research and development using <oXygen/> XML Editor (http://www.oxygenxml.com) and RenderX XEP (http://www.renderx.com) desktop software. The experiences outlined are intended to promote discussion amongst, and prompt contributions from, editing and publishing professionals. Xmplar’s work is predicated on the basis that professional editors are sufficiently skilled and well placed to take up digital publishing. The paper shows how it is feasible for editors to lead the development of digital publishing. Rather than detailing concepts of XML publishing, which will be a business objective of Xmplar, it demonstrates that technology and editing skills are in place so that desktop digital publishing workflows can be developed.