How to Add AO3 Stories to calibre
To add an Archive of Our Own story to calibre, download it as an EPUB with WP Downloader and import the file using calibre’s Add books button. You can then read it offline, organize it, convert it, or transfer it to a connected e-reader.
Download an AO3 story with WP Downloader
WP Downloader is a free web tool, and you do not need to install anything. Open the AO3 Downloader and copy the link to the work you want to save. An AO3 work link looks like this:
https://archiveofourown.org/works/123456Paste the link into the box. WP Downloader recognizes the site and prepares the whole work for download. It downloads AO3 works as a whole, so you cannot use it to download a single chapter or a list.
Choose EPUB to get a file you can add directly to calibre. EPUB downloads are free for everyone, and you can include the story’s images. WP Downloader also offers PDF with a free Discord sign-in, but EPUB is a useful starting format when you want to manage or convert the book in calibre.
You can sign in to your Archive of Our Own account if you need to download a members-only story that your account can read. WP Downloader uses your credentials only to fetch the story you request. It does not bypass age restrictions or other access controls.
The guide to downloading AO3 fanfiction explains this step in more detail.
Add the EPUB to calibre
calibre is a free e-book manager for Windows, macOS, and Linux. After downloading the EPUB, open calibre and select Add books. Find the EPUB in your downloads and select it to import it into your library.
You can then open the story in calibre’s e-book viewer and read it without returning to the Archive of Our Own website.
If you download several stories, you can add each EPUB to the same library. calibre gives you one place to browse, edit, convert, and transfer your saved fanfiction.
Edit the story details and cover
After importing a book, calibre lets you edit its metadata and cover. This can make stories easier to recognize and help you keep your collection consistent.
Select the story in your library and open the metadata editor. Review the imported information, make any changes you want, and replace the cover if needed.
One way to manage your collection is:
- Download the whole story as an EPUB.
- Add the EPUB to calibre.
- Review its metadata and cover.
- Keep the edited copy in your calibre library.
- Convert or transfer it when you are ready to read.
WP Downloader cannot update an existing EPUB when a story gains new chapters. Download the whole story again when you want the newer version, then manage the new file in calibre.
Convert an AO3 story to another format
WP Downloader creates EPUB files and PDF files. PDF requires a free Discord sign-in. It does not create MOBI, AZW3, or TXT files.
If your device needs another e-book format, calibre can convert the EPUB. Select the book, open the conversion option, and choose an available format such as AZW3, MOBI, or PDF.
You can keep the original EPUB in your calibre library while creating another version for your e-reader.
Transfer the story over USB
Connect your e-reader to your computer with a USB cable. Once calibre recognizes it, select the story and use the option to send the book to the device.
For Kindle, see the guide to sending AO3 stories to Kindle. Kobo users can follow the guide to reading AO3 stories on Kobo.
Read or listen in calibre
You can read the story without a separate e-reader. Open the EPUB in calibre’s e-book viewer on your Windows, macOS, or Linux computer.
The viewer also has a Read aloud feature, which lets you listen to the story while keeping the same EPUB in your library for reading.
FAQ
Can I add an AO3 EPUB directly to calibre?
Yes. Download the story as an EPUB with WP Downloader, open calibre, select Add books, and choose the downloaded file.
Does WP Downloader download individual AO3 chapters?
No. For Archive of Our Own, WP Downloader downloads whole stories, not single chapters or lists.
Can WP Downloader make an AZW3 or MOBI file?
No. WP Downloader creates EPUB files and, with a free Discord sign-in, PDF files. calibre can convert an EPUB to AZW3, MOBI, or PDF.
Will my calibre copy update when the AO3 story changes?
No. WP Downloader does not update an existing EPUB with new chapters. Download the whole story again when you want a newer copy.
Can calibre read an AO3 story aloud?
Yes. Open the imported EPUB in calibre’s e-book viewer and use its Read aloud feature.