Kotobee Author

Kotobee Author is an ebook authoring tool for educators, publishers, and training teams building interactive digital books. Its strongest case is combining assessments and LMS connections with a wide range of exports; it is less compelling if you need only a basic ebook editor.

Overview

Projects can begin with a PDF, HTML, Word, or EPUB file, or be created in the editor. Kotobee Author supports both fixed and reflowable layouts and exports to more than 12 ebook formats, including mobile apps. That range gives teams flexibility when distributing content across reading environments, although formats that depend on Kotobee servers require an active subscription.

It is designed for instructional and publishing work where media, learner interaction, or custom behavior matters. For a simple, text-only book, its assessment, integration, and coding capabilities may be more than the job requires.

Key features

Interactive authoring

Authors can add video, audio, image click animations, book widgets, and self-assessment questions. AI tools can generate text, images, questions, and voice narration. These options suit learning materials that benefit from varied content, but they are not essential for a straightforward ebook.

Assessment and LMS connections

Auto-graded questions can be embedded in ebooks, with learner scores tracked. SCORM, LTI, and Tin Can integration connect content to an organization’s LMS, making the tool more useful for courses and training than for standalone reading alone.

Exports and customization

Export formats include EPUB, MOBI, PDF, and Word, as well as mobile apps. EPUB projects can also be opened in other EPUB editors, which offers some flexibility beyond Kotobee’s own workflow. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript support lets teams add custom functionality and integrations, but is most relevant to users with technical resources.

Users can apply their color scheme and logo to ebook apps and remove Kotobee mentions. Kotobee says exported files belong to the customer and do not collect data from readers; some server-dependent formats still require an active subscription. Account information is stored on secure servers in London, with daily database backups on Amazon-based servers. Kotobee states that it is committed to GDPR compliance and describes rights to access, correct, restrict, or delete personal data.

Support includes live agent chat, meeting scheduling, a help center, and Kotobee Academy. Vijua, the Egypt-rooted company behind the product, says it was founded in 2011 and specializes in interactive ebook technology and digital publishing.

Pricing

Kotobee Author is freemium. The Free plan costs nothing. Paid plans start at $150, but the Premium and Basic plan prices are custom pricing; both can be billed monthly or annually, with annual billing saving over 15%. Mobile App Credits are also custom pricing, while Institutional plans require contacting Kotobee for customized solutions.

The Free plan is the low-commitment option, but its caps are not established here, so teams should confirm whether it covers their publishing needs before relying on it. Premium and Basic may suit buyers who need paid capabilities, but without plan prices or feature allocations it is not possible to distinguish which offers the better fit. Institutional is positioned for customized organizational needs. Check the applicable subscription terms if you need server-dependent export formats, since those require an active subscription.

Platforms

Kotobee Author supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, covering major desktop and mobile environments.

Who it's for

Education, digital publishing, and training are the audiences Vijua identifies. Educators and training teams can use embedded assessments and LMS integrations; publishers can draw on multiple export formats, branding, and layout options. Readers who only need free textbooks or a basic reading app may be better served by a content-focused alternative.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Importing common document formats and exporting to more than 12 formats, including mobile apps, supports varied publishing workflows.
• Pros: Auto-graded questions, score tracking, and SCORM, LTI, and Tin Can support make it suitable for instructional content tied to an LMS.
• Pros: Custom HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, plus app branding controls, give teams room to tailor the reader experience.
• Cons: Some formats require an active subscription because they rely on Kotobee servers, limiting their independence from an ongoing plan.
• Cons: Premium and Basic prices and plan-specific inclusions are custom pricing, making it difficult to compare paid tiers before contacting Kotobee.

Alternatives

For a free textbook platform with instructor ADAPT access, H5P and ADAPT authoring, and up to five custom textbooks per institution, consider LibreTexts; it is a content platform rather than Kotobee’s multi-format ebook authoring tool. VitalSource Bookshelf is the reader-focused option: its app is free to install, but eTextbook content may require purchase or an active license, and the plan allows up to two computers and two mobile devices.

ePathshala is a no-cost service for readers who want its content without paying for authoring software. DIKSHA is another free option, built using MIT-licensed Sunbird technology. For free online textbook access and PDF downloads, with low-cost print editions, consider OpenStax; its separate Assignable plan costs $15, paid once.

CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 offers a free online customizable digital textbook, with content varying by subject and book. Oxford Learner’s Bookshelf is an option for readers seeking Oxford e-books and digital packs, with prices varying by title. For free online practice in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, consider Siyavula; it also offers free access for verified teachers.

For category comparisons, see Digital Textbook Platforms, eBook Creation Software, and Book Layout Software.

Verdict

Kotobee Author is a strong choice for educators, publishers, and training teams that need interactive ebooks with assessments, LMS integration, and multiple export paths. Its broad authoring toolkit is the main reason to choose it; the subscription requirement for some server-dependent formats and unclear paid-tier pricing are good reasons to compare alternatives first.