How to Add Lumos Stories to calibre
To add a Lumos story to calibre, download it as an EPUB with WP Downloader and import the file with calibre’s Add books button. You can then edit its metadata or cover, convert it to another format, read it on your computer, or transfer it to a connected e-reader.
What you need
WP Downloader is a free web tool with nothing to install. You do not need a Lumos account. calibre is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
You will need:
- The Lumos story link
- WP Downloader in a web browser
- calibre installed on your computer
- A USB cable if you want to transfer the book to an e-reader
Lumos story URLs look like this:
http://lumos.sycophanthex.com/viewstory.php?sid=1234WP Downloader downloads the whole story from Lumos. It does not download individual chapters or story lists from the site.
Download the Lumos story
Open the Lumos downloader and paste the story URL into the download box. WP Downloader will detect the site and prepare the story.
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.
WP Downloader can also create a PDF, but that requires a free Discord sign-in. Starting with an EPUB lets you read the story in calibre or convert it to another e-book format.
Save the finished file to your computer. For more detailed instructions, see how to download Lumos stories.
WP Downloader’s support for Lumos and its other fiction archives was ported from FanFicFare, the open-source fanfiction downloader.
Add the EPUB to calibre
Open calibre and select Add books. Find the downloaded EPUB, select it, and add it to your library.
The story will appear with your other books. Select it to view its details, open it, convert it, or send it to a device.
You can import stories one at a time or select several downloaded EPUB files at once. calibre keeps them together in one library for browsing and managing your offline reading.
Edit the metadata and cover
Select the story in calibre and open its metadata editor. There you can change the book information or replace the cover.
You might use these tools to keep titles, author names, and covers consistent across your library. The changes only affect how the book is organized and displayed in calibre. They do not alter the original story on Lumos.
Convert the EPUB to another format
WP Downloader creates EPUB and PDF files. It does not create MOBI, AZW3, or TXT files.
If your device or reading app needs another e-book format, select the EPUB in calibre and use the conversion tool. calibre can convert EPUB files to formats such as AZW3, MOBI, and PDF.
Keep the original EPUB in your library if you may need to convert it for another device later.
Read the story in calibre
You can open the imported story in calibre’s e-book viewer and read it on your computer.
The viewer also includes a Read aloud feature, so you can listen to the story from the same calibre library.
Transfer the story over USB
Connect your e-reader to the computer with a USB cable. After calibre recognizes the device, select the Lumos story and use the option to send it to the connected reader.
Send the EPUB if your device supports it. Otherwise, convert the book to a supported format first.
For instructions for a specific device, see sending Lumos stories to Kindle or reading Lumos stories on Kobo.
Replace a story when new chapters appear
WP Downloader cannot add new chapters to an EPUB you already have. To get the latest chapters, return to the downloader and download the whole story again.
Add the new file to calibre and check which copy is current. You may also need to apply your metadata and cover changes to the new download.
FAQ
Can I add a Lumos story directly to calibre?
Download the story as an EPUB with WP Downloader, then import the file with calibre’s Add books button.
Do I need a Lumos account?
No. You can download Lumos stories without signing in.
Can WP Downloader create an AZW3 or MOBI file?
No. WP Downloader provides EPUB and PDF files. Download the EPUB, then use calibre to convert it to AZW3, MOBI, or PDF.
Can calibre read the story aloud?
Yes. calibre’s e-book viewer has a Read aloud feature.
Will my calibre copy receive new chapters automatically?
No. WP Downloader cannot update an existing EPUB. Download the whole story again when you want a newer copy.