What are release notes?
Release notes are a document that describe the launch of a new software version or product update, detailing what has been changed, added, or fixed.
September 22, 2026
We are excited to introduce a new feature to the Book-Building Tool!
The Accessibility Evaluation is a tool in the Book-Building Tool that helps review an uploaded .docx (Microsoft Word) file for potential common accessibility issues before submission. It is optional, but we recommend reviewing the results because the guidance can help improve the reading experience for customers who use assistive technologies, such as screen readers.
Here's how it works:
- Launch the Accessibility Evaluation
After the Word file is uploaded, the Accessibility Evaluation will launch for eligible ebook titles. It can be opened at any time from the left navigation menu or during the Review My Book process. - Review the instructions page
The evaluation begins with an overview that explains how to start, what the status indicators mean, how to access Help Center resources, and how to return to the evaluation later if needed. -
Check each accessibility section
The tool reviews five areas:- Alt Text: Identifies images that may need descriptions.
- Table Headers: Checks whether tables have headers that help assistive technologies interpret the information.
- Link Text: Reviews hyperlinks to make sure the display text clearly describes the link destination.
- Headings: Checks whether headings follow a logical structure.
- Navigation: Confirms internal ebook links point to valid locations.
- Review and resolve findings
Each section lists any issues found and provides options to correct them. Some items can be fixed automatically by selecting the issue and choosing Fix. Other items may require reviewing the content and entering the appropriate information, such as adding alt text or updating link display text. - Use Skip if no changes are needed
If no changes are needed at that time, the section can be skipped. It is not required to apply every recommendation, but reviewing the results is strongly encouraged. - Continue through Review My Book
During the final review process, accessibility appears after the book information review and before Interior Review. Once each section has been reviewed, corrected, or skipped, select the approval checkbox and continue.
It is important to note that the Accessibility Evaluation provides recommendations only. Applying fixes can improve accessibility, but it does not guarantee that the file will meet all accessibility standards, earn certification, or pass content validation.
Here are Help Center articles to provide more information:
Understanding Accessibility
Here are Help Center articles to provide more information:
Understanding Accessibility
Other updates:
Enhancements
- Multiple images can now be uploaded at the same time in the interior editor, helping save time and simplify the image upload process.
- Rulers are now available in the cover editor and can be turned on or off from the vertical toolbar. Use rulers to help plan the cover layout and align cover elements.
Bug Fixes
- EPUB validation errors no longer occur when half-title or full-title pages are hidden.
- Ebook ISBNs now display correctly in the Book-Building Tool.
June 4, 2026
-
Two-page spread – Online preview is now in two-page spread, allowing you to view the interior content with left and right side pages.
- Click on the preview tab on the left
- Click on 'Preview Book'
- Click on the blue button half-way down to preview the interior content in spreads. Spreads show the view that the reader will see while reading the printed book.
-
Center image when placing as inset
- Inset images are placed in the center of the selected area. Previously, images were placed upper-left corner.
-
Interior preview window shows full page
- Previously you would have to scroll to see an entire page in the right side preview. The entire full page on the right-side preview is visable now without scrolling.
-
Cover Wizard
- The cover wizard has been removed, to be replaced in the future. You can sill access cover layouts and all of the same cover features.
May 5, 2026
- Image editing options.
- Options to rotate or flip the image
- Crop, resize and make color changes. Click on the far right icon (shown on the image above) to access these options.
Please note we cannot advise on what adjustments you should make. Any color changes should be reviewed in a print copy of your book, we are unable to predict what those changes will appear like when printed.
-
Cover layout change.
When switching from one bind type to another (paperback to hardcover or vice-versa), text boxes and images should remain on the same cover section (front, back, spine, etc.) and in the same relative place. For example, content on the back cover should remain centered on the back cover (if center and back cover are selected). -
Hide half-title and full-title pages.
- These pages can now be hidden if you do not wish to use one or both of them.
- If you would like to create a customized half-title or full-title page:
- Hide one or both of the pages
- Click "Add Text" blue button at the top
- Add a new section
- Label the section "Half-title," or "Full-title"
- Customize your new page!
April 23, 2026
- Text boxes are locked proportionally. This will prevent text from being stretched only in one direction, making it difficult to read.
-
Add spine text on low page count covers. The requirement previously limited spine text to only books with a minimum of 100 pages. That has been updated, books with a minimum page below allow for spine text.
- Hardcover: 18 pages
- Paperback: 48 pages
March 17, 2026
-
EPUB validation errors. Epub files created in the Book-Building Tool that do not pass validation may qualify for a correction within the Book-Building Tool before submitting files.
This applies only to certain issues within the text. Some issues cannot be corrected automatically, and will require manual adjustment. If the error in the code cannot be fixed, it will provide a warning. Additional errors may be flagged during the file submission process.
Comments
0 comments
Article is closed for comments.