Frequently Asked Questions

LaTeX and Overleaf

• What is LaTeX and how is it important for the project?
  Latex is a typesetting system used for producing high-quality technical and scientific documents. Its importance in the project lies in its ability to produce well-formatted text and its compatibility with AI-driven writing tools.
• How can one work offline with LaTeX?
  For offline compilation with LaTeX, resources like Overleaf's offline guides can be helpful.
• Why doesn't the template compile on Overleaf using the pdfLaTex compiler?
  The template was built for the Overleaf v1 (2016) version. Using the "TeX Live Version" setting to "2016 (Overleaf v1)(Legacy)" might resolve the issue.
• How can I share my Overleaf project with someone?
  In Overleaf, click on "Share Project" and add the recipient's email address. Granting "Can Edit" permissions allows the recipient to make changes to the project.
• Can multiple people work on the book simultaneously?
  ‍Yes, Overleaf supports real-time collaboration with shared editing, comments and review features, chat functionality, and version history tracking.
• Is pdfLaTeX a universal designation for LaTeX compilation?
  Yes, pdfLaTeX is a widely recognized compiler for producing PDF outputs from LaTeX sources. The output should be consistent across different platforms and IDEs, like Kile and Overleaf.
• What issues arise with LaTeX templates on Overleaf when using tex4ebook?
  Overleaf names its projects “output” while tex4ebook uses “main” as the default name. This discrepancy leads to tex4ebook not finding the image files. This can be resolved by passing “-j output” as a parameter of tex4ebook in the latexmkrc.
• How can I use Polyglossia with LaTeX templates?
  To use Polyglossia, ensure you set the compiler to XeLaTeX. You might need to make additional adjustments to the template to accommodate Arabic text, such as right-to-left text direction.
• How can I publish and convert LaTeX to EPUB?
  After ensuring the formatting is correct, you can use platforms like Amazon KDP for Kindle publishing. To generate an EPUB file directly from LaTeX on Overleaf, replace or paste your text into the files in the /chapters directory and adapt the /main.tex.
• How can I modify the main.tex file for eBook creation?
  In the main.tex file, there's a section where you can make changes related to ebook creation. Ensure the compiler is set to pdflatex for generating an ebook.
• How can I handle the Fontspec Package and deal with compilation errors?
  To ensure that the fontspec package loads only when generating a PDF, encapsulate it with \ifxetex: \ifxetex \usepackage{fontspec} \fi.
• How can I change the language in LaTeX?
  To change the language, you can use the babel package. For instance, to change to Portuguese, you can use \usepackage[portuguese]{babel}.
• How can I incorporate TikZ images and cite in LaTeX?
  While the process of incorporating TikZ images can be complex for beginners, there are many resources and tutorials available online. For citing, use the @article or similar commands in a .bib file to define your references and then use the \cite{} command in your main document.
• How can I get involved or contribute to the project?
  You can get involved in the project by reaching out to our team. We welcome contributions from individuals who have expertise in business, marketing, website development, latex, or AI.

Book Publishing and Templates

• What are the challenges in converting a paperback book format to hardcover on Amazon?
  There are more available formats for paperback books and the current version of your book might be in a format that is not supported. My recommendation is to convert both your paperback and hardcover book to the same format (for example, 6”x9”) to minimize the overhead when making changes.
• What solutions can be applied to fit the hardcover format?
  Some solutions include: Increasing margins, Increasing font sizes, Adjusting diagram sizes, Adding page breaks.
• Can I get consultation and assistance for my book project?
  Yes, you can consult experts for various aspects of your book project, including editing, marketing, publishing, and more.
• What is the main advantage of the new template?
  The new template is streamlined for e-book production. It includes features like adding a cover image, a table of contents, and produces an EPUB file directly. It also has improvements regarding image output and compatibility with newer versions of LaTeX.
• How do I migrate to the new template?
  You can continue with your existing version and then copy the chapter pages to the new template. However, if you make changes to the template design, you might encounter problems.
• What issues does the new template address?
  The new template addresses the production of e-books, including the creation of an EPUB file without the need for additional steps. It also offers improvements in image output and is compatible with newer LaTeX versions.
• How can I know when a new template is available on Overleaf?
  Follow us on Patreon (to be announced) or the join the Newsletter.
• Is there a new template available?
  Yes, a new template that works with all compilers was recently released.
• How can I transition to the new template?
  You can continue with the existing version and then copy the chapter pages to the new template. If you've made changes to the template design, you might encounter problems.
  
• What improvements does the new template offer?
  The new template streamlines the production of e-books, including adding a cover image and table of contents. It also produces an EPUB file directly, eliminating the need for additional steps like downloading zip files and unpacking.
• Is there an Amazon KDP template available on Overleaf?
  The template is designed for both e-books and printed versions to be used on Amazon. It's adaptable to various sizes, and you can adjust the size as needed for your specific requirements.

e-book Conversion and Challenges

• How can I convert a LaTeX project into an e-book?
  After ensuring the LaTeX project compiles correctly, you can download the allfiles.zip bundle and attempt to load it into a Kindle Previewer for eBook conversion.
• Are footnotes a good idea in e-books?
  It's recommended not to use footnotes in eBooks as they appear at the very end. Instead, consider using conditional compilation guards to show them only in the printed book.
• How do I handle email URLs in my e-book?
  You can add a "mailto:" prefix, but consider if you want readers to click on the link, especially since few people send emails from their Kindle device.
• How can I work with images in LaTeX for e-book conversion?
  If certain TikZ images aren't converting correctly to SVG or PNG, you can manually convert the problematic SVG files to PNG or JPG. Alternatively, replace the TikZ call in your LaTeX document with an \includegraphics command that points to a pre-rendered image.
• What support does Amazon KDP offer?
  For any questions or issues related to publishing on Amazon KDP, you can contact their support team directly through their contact page.
• How can I include JPG files in LaTeX for e-book conversion?
  Instead of manipulating the resulting EPUB file, it's advised to include all converted JPG files in your Overleaf project and include them in place of the tikz graphic.
• What tools are recommended for SVG conversion?
  Photoshop, GIMP, or Inkscape are recommended for SVG conversion. Taking a screenshot can also work. It's essential to double-check if the converted diagram remains readable in Kindle Previewer.
• What challenges arise when converting mathematical content to e-book formats?
  The latest EPUB 3 version fully supports MathML which is excellent for displaying equations.
• What issues arise with tikz Images during eBook Conversion?
  There are challenges with tikz images during conversion. One solution is to unzip the EPUB file, convert SVG files to PNG or JPG, and then re-zip the EPUB. Another solution is to have LaTeX automatically convert SVG graphics into PNG files.
  
• How can I generate an EPUB from the template?
  When setting the template to pdfLaTeX on Overleaf, it generates a “main.epub” which you can download and open with Kindle Previewer. Ensure you select KPF as output in Kindle Previewer, not MOBI, as Amazon has updated this recently.
• What do you recommend for publishing SVG images?
  With other epub publishing tools, you might have to unzip the epub file, convert all SVG files to JPG, make necessary changes in OPF and CSS files, zip the contents, rename from .zip to .epub, and then upload the file again for publishing.
• What is the process for converting from LaTeX to EPUB?
  The conversion process depends on the current state of your project. It might range from simply converting the files if the project compiles without problems to more complex tasks like handling custom libraries, adding missing pages necessary for publishing, adjusting the cover, and managing special page formats.

Debugging

• What should I check first when debugging in Overleaf?
  ‍Start with basic troubleshooting:
  - Click Recompile from Scratch
  - Try Clear cached files (via Logs and output files)
  - Check if the error persists with a different compiler
  - Verify that all packages are loading correctly
  
• What should I check first when debugging in Overleaf?
  ‍Start with basic troubleshooting:
  - Click Recompile from Scratch
  - Try Clear cached files (via Logs and output files)
  - Check if the error persists with a different compiler
  - Verify that all packages are loading correctly
  
• What should I check first when debugging in Overleaf?
  ‍Start with basic troubleshooting:
  - Click Recompile from Scratch
  - Try Clear cached files (via Logs and output files)
  - Check if the error persists with a different compiler
  - Verify that all packages are loading correctly
  
• What if the error message points to the wrong file?
  ‍LaTeX errors often appear at the point where LaTeX fails, not where the problem began. Common causes:
  - Unclosed curly brackets
  - Unfinished environments
  - Missing math mode delimiters
  Check earlier in the document for these issues, even if the error appears later.
• How do I debug e-book conversion issues?
  ‍- Check for warnings in output.stderr, output.stdout, and output.log
  - Download and examine the XHTML files individually
  - Use Kindle Previewer's "Run Quality Checks"
  - Use epubcheck to validate EPUB files
  - Test URL links (Amazon checks these during conversion)
  
• How can I locate the source of a compilation error?
  ‍Use the divide and conquer approach:
  - Comment out multiple files in body.tex
  - If error disappears, uncomment files one by one until error returns
  - Once you find the problematic file, use similar approach within that file
  - Alternatively, use \includeonly to load only specific chapters
• What should I check first when debugging in Overleaf?
  ‍Start with basic troubleshooting:
  - Click Recompile from Scratch
  - Try Clear cached files (via Logs and output files)
  - Check if the error persists with a different compiler
  - Verify that all packages are loading correctly
  

Assistance

• Can I get consultation and assistance for my book project?
  Yes, you can consult experts for various aspects of your book project, including editing, marketing, publishing, and more.
• How long does it usually take to convert a text to eBook?
  If there are no complexities, it can be done in 2 - 4 hours. Providing us with the Overleaf template will allow us to give a more precise estimate. Beyond that, we offer editing services and individual coaching.
• How can I provide feedback and explore publishing opportunities?
  Feedback is always welcome, especially if it can help improve clarity and reduce ambiguity for readers. If you're interested in publishing opportunities, ensure the content aligns with the publishing goals and meets quality standards.

(deprecated) 2023 Template Questions

• Where can I purchase the eBook "Even Better Books with LaTeX the Agile Way in 2023"?
  You can check your local Amazon page. If the book isn't available on your local Amazon page, try accessing it through the specific link provided by the publisher or check other regional Amazon websites.
• Why doesn't the template compile on Overleaf using the pdfLaTex compiler?
  The template was built for the Overleaf v1 (2016) version. Using the "TeX Live Version" setting to "2016 (Overleaf v1)(Legacy)" might resolve the issue.
• How can I modify the main.tex file for eBook creation?
  In the main.tex file, there's a section where you can make changes related to ebook creation. Ensure the compiler is set to pdflatex for generating an ebook.
• How can I handle the Fontspec Package and deal with compilation errors?
  To ensure that the fontspec package loads only when generating a PDF, encapsulate it with \ifxetex: \ifxetex \usepackage{fontspec} \fi.