Date: 2025-02-23

Status

Accepted

Context

We need to establish a clear workflow for converting book content from source format to multiple output formats. Key considerations:

• Source format must be author-friendly
• Need to support multiple output formats (PDF, EPUB, MOBI)
• Must handle complex formatting and metadata
• Require reliable conversion tools
• Need consistent quality across outputs

Decision

We will implement the following workflow:

1. Input Format Selection

   • Markdown as primary source format
   • YAML for metadata management
   • Asset organization in standardized directory structure

2. Intermediate Processing

   • Pandoc as primary conversion engine
   • LaTeX as intermediate format for PDF output
   • Custom templates for consistent styling
   • Automated metadata injection

3. Output Generation

   • PDF via LaTeX/XeLaTeX
   • EPUB 3.0 via Pandoc
   • MOBI via Calibre conversion
   • HTML for web preview

4. Tool Selection

   • Pandoc for initial conversion
   • TeX Live for PDF generation
   • Calibre for final ebook formats
   • Kindle Previewer for validation

Consequences

Positive

• Markdown source is easy to write and maintain
• Pandoc provides flexible conversion options
• LaTeX gives high-quality PDF output
• Multiple output formats from single source
• Automated workflow reduces errors

Negative

• Complex tool chain to maintain
• LaTeX learning curve for custom formatting
• Need to manage multiple conversion steps
• Platform-specific tools required (especially for Kindle)
• Must validate output across formats