sebsync 1.0.16

Synchronize Standard Ebooks catalog with local EPUB collection.

Sebsync

The sebsync script synchronizes the Standard Ebooks catalog with your local EPUB collection.

How it works

The script reads the Standard Ebooks OPDS feed and reconciles the ebooks in their catalog against the EPUBs in your local filesystem, downloading new ones or updating existing ones as necessary.

If a new ebook is detected in the catalog, then it will be downloaded into your downloads directory. If an updated version of a book is detected in the catalog that is already in your local filesystem, then the updated version will be downloaded and stored in the existing local file.

The script can also display and/or remove outdated and/or deprecated ebooks. A local ebook file is “deprecated” if its identifier has been replaced by a new identifier in the Standard Ebooks catalog. This occurs when a book is renamed or substantially revised. Its replacement will be downloaded as a new ebook.

Requirements

This script uses Standard Ebooks' OPDS feed to access metadata on all books their catalog. In order to do so, you need to be a member of the Standard Ebooks Patrons Circle (or have previously produced an ebook for Standard Ebooks). If you're not already a Standard Ebooks patron, please consider becoming one. It's a tremendously valuable project, deserving of your support.

Installation

It is easy to install sebsync using pipx:

pipx install sebsync

Example usage

sebsync --email [e-mail] --books /home/user/MyBooks --downloads /home/user/MyBooks/Downloads

Questions and answers

Q1. Why use a separate downloads directory for new ebooks?

A1. This is a feature for those who want to easily recognize new ebooks, and to manually rename and/or categorize them within their library. If this feature is not useful for you, simply set --downloads to be the same directory as --books.

Q2. Does this script support Kindle books?

A2. No. Analysis of the Standard Ebooks AZW3 structure suggests that there isn't a reliable method to reconcile Kindle ebooks with the OPDS feed catalog.