The client is an established leader in global educational publishing, developing digital-first academic content across subjects including STEM, humanities, and professional education. With a distribution footprint spanning multiple geographies, the organization produced textbooks, academic resources, and curriculum-aligned materials for learners at every level.
The engagement required ongoing conversion across a diverse educational catalog, with monthly targets set at 7,000–10,000 pages. Fixed layout ePub3 was the primary format, supported by Read Aloud and Kindle editions for broader device compatibility. Each title needed to maintain the original page geometry, visual hierarchy, and instructional structure, while preserving the precise design and page structure of a print book.
Accessibility compliance was built into the scope from the outset, with outputs required to conform to WCAG AA for fixed layout ePub and EPUB Accessibility 1.1, including ARIA markup and metadata tagging. Delivery schedules were tied directly to academic calendar cycles and had to be maintained month after month.
The challenges in this project had to be addressed at the workflow level to prevent quality loss, compliance gaps, or delivery delays.
Heavy Page Composition
The content library included a high proportion of STEM-heavy titles, each containing mathematical equations, chemical structures, and layered technical diagrams. Reproducing these elements accurately in MathML and SVG across ePub3, Read Aloud, and Kindle outputs required specialist review.
Illustrated Educational Layout Complexity
Illustrated instructional material added another layer of complexity. Many titles combined dense body text with annotated diagrams, data tables, sidebars, and teacher-student note structures, all of which required precise spatial alignment across digital outputs.
Error Management at a Granular Level
At a volume of 7,000–10,000 pages per month, even a minor formatting deviation could multiply rapidly across a delivery cycle. Quality could not be left to final-stage review; it had to be built into the workflow from the start.
Fixed Layout Accessibility Compliance
The project also involved resolving accessibility challenges, such as heading structure, ARIA roles, correct reading order, and image ALT text in fixed layout EPUB files. These requirements were essential to assistive technology compatibility and had to be handled consistently across all titles.
Academic Calendar-Driven Deadlines
Academic publishing timelines were fixed by school calendar cycles. Any delay in conversion would have affected downstream curriculum release schedules across multiple markets.
To meet the client’s volume, accuracy, and accessibility requirements simultaneously, we built the delivery model around controlled specialization rather than a one-size-fits-all conversion flow. Each output format followed its own production path, while quality, accessibility validation, and layout control were embedded throughout the workflow to maintain high throughput without compromising format integrity.
SunTec Digital established distinct workflows for fixed layout ePub conversion, Read Aloud production, and fixed layout eBook for Kindle delivery rather than relying on a single generalized pipeline. Automation supported routine formatting and file preparation, while subject matter experts reviewed STEM notation, complex diagrams, and annotated layouts individually to prevent format-level errors from carrying into final outputs.
Accessible eBook conversion requirements were addressed during production rather than after it. ARIA Markup, heading hierarchy, image descriptions, and reading order in fixed layout eBooks were handled as part of the conversion workflow and then validated against WCAG AA for fixed layout ePub and EPUB Accessibility 1.1 using ePub Validator, Pagina ePub Checker, and Ace by DAISY. This reduced rework and improved release readiness.
Design fidelity was maintained through structured checks for fonts, tables, images, marginal notes, and page structure. Additional controls were applied to hyphenation and page breaks to ensure readability was not disrupted in fixed layout environments.
A dedicated team of 12 conversion specialists, supported by 4 quality control reviewers, managed the baseline monthly volume. During peak academic publishing periods, team capacity expanded to absorb higher loads without affecting delivery schedules or output quality.
ePub Validator
Pagina ePub Checker
Ace by DAISY
By aligning the conversion workflow with the client’s volume and layout requirements, we established a reliable production model for accessible fixed layout eBook design. Our approach sustained high monthly throughput, preserved design fidelity across complex titles, improved turnaround speed, and maintained compliance with accessibility laws without disrupting academic publishing schedules.
7,000–10,000 Pages
Processed Monthly
Sustained across fixed layout ePub3, Read Aloud, and Kindle deliverables without delays.
99% Layout Accuracy
Maintained
Preserved complex educational layouts, STEM notation, and illustrated content with consistent fidelity.
40% Faster Turnaround
Achieved
Improved fixed layout eBook conversion speed over the client’s previous workflow.
Full Accessibility Compliance Achieved
Delivered accessible fixed layout eBook conversion aligned with WCAG 2.1 AA and EPUB Accessibility 1.1.
Zero Missed Release
Deadlines
Maintained schedule integrity across recurring academic publishing cycles and peak-volume periods.
Fixed layout eBook conversion for STEM-heavy, illustrated, and instruction-rich content can be managed at scale without compromising layout fidelity, accessibility compliance, or delivery timelines. Write to info@suntecdigital.com to discuss project requirements.
info@suntecdigital.com
+44 203 514 2601
+1 585 283 0055
