VisualML was formed by publishing industry digital experts, each of whom has more than a decade of digital publishing experience, combined with at least another decade of technology experience.  In the last ten years, we have helped publishers of all sizes and from all genres succeed with their digital initiatives.  We have managed the digitization of literally millions of books, magazines and newspapers, including such outstanding projects as the digitization of HarperCollins Publishers’ complete backlist and the digital edition of the New York Times.

VML’s primary differentiation in providing conversion services is its attention to quality, which is a primary problem with results provided by most vendors. Our attention to quality begins before the conversion process has begun by ensuring effective communication with publisher regarding expectations and the handling of specific exceptions and formatting requests.

In addition to quality, we strive to remove the most common challenges publishers experience doing conversion work:

  • Certainty:  Publishers are often un-certain what results they can expect from conversion.  We are experts on all top formats for XML and eBooks – we know how to specify exactly what must be created for XML and eBooks and ensure it is delivered correctly.
  • Tracking:  We ensure our clients know where there content is in the process and project when specific content will be delivered
  • Conversion Correctness:  We are intimately familiar with the work that goes into conversion and representing published content in XML and eBook formats.  We offer a third layer of XML accuracy:  Correctness.

Modern eBooks are a specific form of XML – called a packaging XML.  XML is typically evaluated to ensure it is well formed – meaning it complies with the specific rules of XML in general and valid – meaning that the delivered XML has followed the specific rules for the XML chosen (such as NLM).  However, that in no way guarantees that the XML is useful.  Because XML, including the best known standards, are so flexible, content can be represented in several ways and still be well formed and valid.  Our correctness step captures consistent and useful representation of the content, a unique differentiator.

Our quality result is further supported by our workflow as illustrated in picture below.  Our process begins with a detailed discussion of how the publisher wants the resultant XML to be used – basically defining what is correct.  We then enter into a standard sequence of conversion, QA, optional enhanced QA (see Pricing and Terms for details), and delivery of the resultant work.  Key in this sequence is consistent, transparent delivery of status and constant to ensure both parties know how things are proceeding.

We execute this process at a competitive price by leveraging the best worldwide resources.  No process is perfect, and the degree of variability in published content means there is a possibility of challenge along the way.  We address that with our integrated feedback loop that let us communicate and address issues quickly and efficiently.

Please note that VisualML focuses on conversion projects that align with and support its clients executing a Solution projects.