How to put a JoyRead story on a Kindle over USB with calibre
You can put a JoyRead story on a Kindle without Amazon’s Send to Kindle service. First, download the story as an EPUB with WP Downloader. You can then add it to calibre, convert it to AZW3, and send it to your Kindle over USB.
You will need a computer running calibre. Before transferring the book, calibre also lets you manage its metadata and cover.
What you need
Have these ready:
- The JoyRead story link
- A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux
- calibre, a free e-book manager
- Your Kindle and a USB connection
WP Downloader is a free web tool, so there is nothing to install for the download. calibre manages the EPUB, converts it to a Kindle format, and transfers it to the device.
Step 1: Download the JoyRead story as an EPUB
Open the JoyRead downloader and paste the story URL into the box. A JoyRead link may look like this:
https://www.joyread.com/15233-Dink-Husbands-Twin-SecretWP Downloader detects that the link is from JoyRead. It downloads stories as whole books rather than individual chapters or lists. Choose EPUB as the output format. EPUB is free for everyone, and you can choose whether to include the story’s images.
Signing in to JoyRead is optional. If a story is restricted to members, signing in may give WP Downloader access to the content your account can already read. Paid or locked chapters are included only when your account has access to them. WP Downloader does not bypass paywalls, locked chapters, or other access restrictions.
Save the EPUB somewhere easy to find. For more help with the download, see how to download JoyRead stories.
Step 2: Add the EPUB to calibre
Open calibre and select Add books. Find the EPUB you downloaded and add it to your library.
The story will appear in calibre. You can edit its metadata and cover before transferring it. You can also open the book in calibre’s e-book viewer, which includes a Read aloud feature.
Step 3: Convert the EPUB to AZW3
WP Downloader provides EPUB and PDF files. It does not create MOBI or AZW3 files, so use calibre for the Kindle conversion.
Select the JoyRead book in calibre and choose Convert books. Set AZW3 as the output format, then start the conversion. AZW3 is a Kindle format that you can copy to a Kindle e-reader over USB.
calibre can also convert EPUB files to MOBI or PDF. Kindle e-readers still open MOBI and AZW3 files copied over USB. Only Amazon’s Send to Kindle service stopped accepting MOBI.
Step 4: Connect the Kindle and send the book
Connect your Kindle to the computer over USB. Once calibre recognizes it, select the converted JoyRead book and choose Send to device.
After calibre transfers the book, disconnect the Kindle and open the story for offline reading.
This transfer does not use Amazon’s Send to Kindle service. For another method, see how to send JoyRead stories to Kindle.
Getting newer chapters later
WP Downloader cannot update an EPUB that is already in your calibre library. If the JoyRead story gets new chapters, download the whole story again.
Add the new EPUB to calibre, convert it to AZW3, and send the new version to your Kindle. If you keep both versions in calibre or on the Kindle, check which copy you open.
FAQ
Can I transfer the EPUB directly to my Kindle?
This guide uses calibre to convert the EPUB to AZW3 before sending it to the Kindle over USB. WP Downloader does not provide AZW3 files.
Does this method use Send to Kindle?
No. calibre sends the converted book directly to the connected Kindle over USB.
Can calibre create a MOBI file instead?
Yes. calibre can convert EPUB files to MOBI, AZW3, or PDF. Kindle e-readers still open MOBI files copied over USB, even though Send to Kindle no longer accepts MOBI.
Can WP Downloader include locked JoyRead chapters?
Only when your JoyRead account can already read them. WP Downloader does not bypass paid or locked chapters.
Where can I find Kobo instructions?
See how to read JoyRead stories on Kobo for the Kobo guide.