# How the factory works

> Six steps from your manuscript to a finished EPUB and print PDF, and who does what.

The book factory turns one manuscript file into two finished files: an
**EPUB** for ebook stores and a **print-ready PDF** of the interior, set in
the studio's house typography. You write in your editor; the factory does the
typesetting.

Everything happens on your book's **Factory** page, in six steps:

1. **Transmittal.** A one-page form about the book: title, author, trim size,
   copyright page, typography choices. See [The transmittal](transmittal.md).
2. **Upload.** Send the `.docx` from your editor, or link a Google Doc.
   Uploading is free, as often as you like. See [Send your manuscript](send-your-manuscript.md).
3. **Inspect.** The factory reads your file and tells you what won't come
   through the way you meant. Free and unlimited. See [Inspect](inspect.md).
4. **Index** (optional add-on). The factory drafts a back-of-book index for
   you to review.
5. **Build.** Proofs are free; finals use one of the finals on your pass.
   See [Build and download](build-and-download.md).
6. **Download.** Your EPUB and print PDF, plus earlier builds.

On a wide screen the six steps run down the left side, each with a short
status, such as *2 to fix · 1 worth a look* under Inspect. Click a step to
jump to it. The foot of the list shows your **Finals left** and the date your
pass runs until.

## What you need

- A **Factory Pass** for the book. See [Your Factory Pass](factory-pass.md).
- Your manuscript as a `.docx`. Any editor that saves one will do: the
  factory reads the *names* of your paragraph styles, not the program you
  used. Chapter titles in **Heading 1** is most of it.
- Your cover, if you have one (JPEG or PNG). Until you add yours, the EPUB
  carries a [jdbb] studio house cover, set in type from your title and
  author. The print PDF is the interior only; your printer takes the cover as
  a separate file.

## Who does what

You bring the text and the decisions (the transmittal). The machine
inspects and typesets. The studio set up the house typography and the rules
the machine follows, and is there if you're stuck. The Factory page's
**How it runs →** link shows the whole map.

> **Stuck?** Write to [j@djinna.com](mailto:j@djinna.com) with what you were
> doing and any message the page showed you.

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Source: https://studio.jdbb.net/help/start-here