Add AlternateHistory.com stories to calibre

To add an AlternateHistory.com story to calibre, download it as an EPUB with WP Downloader, select “Add books” in calibre, and choose the downloaded file. You can then edit its metadata and cover, read it on your computer, convert it to another format, or send it to a connected e-reader.

Download the story with WP Downloader

AlternateHistory.com stories are forum threads. WP Downloader collects a thread’s threadmarked chapters into one e-book.

Copy the story’s thread URL. It should look similar to this:

https://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/threads/some-story-name.123456/

Open the AlternateHistory.com downloader, paste the link into the box, and WP Downloader will detect the site. It is a free web tool, so there is nothing to install.

Choose EPUB to add the story to calibre. EPUB downloads are free for everyone, and you can choose whether to include the story’s images. PDF is also available with a free Discord sign-in. calibre can open EPUB files directly and convert them to formats such as AZW3, MOBI, or PDF.

You do not need an AlternateHistory.com account for public stories. Signing in with your account also lets WP Downloader reach members-only stories that you can already read. Your credentials are used only to fetch the story you requested. WP Downloader does not bypass locked content, paywalls, or age restrictions.

The downloader collects the whole story. It cannot download individual chapters or lists from AlternateHistory.com. Support for the site was ported from FanFicFare, the open-source fanfiction downloader.

For more detail on downloading the file, see How to download AlternateHistory.com stories.

Add the EPUB to calibre

calibre is a free e-book manager for Windows, macOS, and Linux. After downloading the story:

1. Open calibre on your computer.
2. Select “Add books.”
3. Find the EPUB you downloaded from WP Downloader.
4. Select the file to add it to your library.

The story will appear with the other books in your library. Open it in calibre’s e-book viewer to check the chapters and any images you chose to include.

Edit the metadata and cover

calibre lets you edit a book’s metadata and cover. Select the story, open the metadata editor, and change the displayed information as needed. You can also replace the cover.

Titles, author information, and covers can help you tell stories apart when you keep several AlternateHistory.com books in the same library.

Read the story in calibre

calibre includes an e-book viewer, so you can read the EPUB on your computer without transferring or converting it.

The viewer also has a “Read aloud” feature if you would prefer to listen to the story.

Convert the story to another format

WP Downloader provides EPUB and PDF files. It does not produce MOBI, AZW3, or TXT files.

If your device or reading app needs another format, add the EPUB to calibre and use its conversion feature. calibre can convert an EPUB to formats including AZW3, MOBI, and PDF. Keep the original EPUB in your library if you may need to convert it again later.

Send the story to an e-reader

calibre can send books to an e-reader connected to your computer over USB. Connect the device, wait for calibre to recognize it, select the story, and use the send-to-device option.

For Kindle instructions, see How to send AlternateHistory.com stories to Kindle. Kobo users can follow the AlternateHistory.com stories on Kobo guide.

Add new chapters

WP Downloader cannot update an EPUB that is already in your calibre library. When the author publishes more threadmarked chapters, download the whole story again and add the new EPUB to calibre.

Check which copy is newer before deciding which one to keep. You can also edit the metadata to distinguish the two copies while organizing the updated story.

FAQ

Can calibre open the EPUB without converting it?

Yes. Add the EPUB to your calibre library and open it in calibre’s e-book viewer.

Can WP Downloader download one chapter from AlternateHistory.com?

No. It downloads the whole story by collecting the threadmarked chapters into one book.

Do I need an AlternateHistory.com account?

You do not need one for public stories. Signing in is optional and lets WP Downloader reach members-only stories that your account can already read.

Can WP Downloader create an AZW3 or MOBI file?

No. WP Downloader produces EPUB and PDF files. Add the EPUB to calibre to convert it to AZW3 or MOBI.

Will my calibre copy update when new chapters appear?

No. Download the story again with WP Downloader, then add the new EPUB to calibre.