What is Indexing?
Why have an index?
Most books need an index! An index is a systematic list of topics, names, or concepts, along with corresponding page numbers. It serves as a reference tool, enabling readers to locate quickly specific information within the book. Index entries are typically alphabetically organized, providing a concise and efficient way to navigate the content and find relevant details without reading the entire text.
What an Indexer can do for you
A professional indexer can help you save valuable time and avoid unnecessary frustration. I provide an index that reveals a fresh, objective perspective of your book, focusing on your work from the view of a reader. I bring the expertise in indexing knowledge and practice in creating a high-quality index that is precise, reliable, all-encompassing, and user-friendly, and will complete the process in less time than a non-indexer.
Yes, you can do it yourself, but why?
The Indexing Process
The indexing process involves several steps. First, the indexer reads the book to acquire an overall understanding of the purpose of the book. Identifying the most relevant and interesting words, concepts, and phrases that will help readers find what they are looking for. Second, the indexer arranges these entries in alphabetical order and creates subheadings for topics that appear multiple times in the book. Notice that words in the index may not appear in the body of the text. Further, names and concepts mentioned in passing are not indexed. Third, the indexer assigns pointers to each entry, which are usually page numbers, but can also be paragraphs or section numbers. Fourth, the index is formatted according to the guidelines of the publisher and the Chicago Manual of Style. Last, the indexer reviews the index to ensure that the entries are useful, comprehensive, and consistent. Errors and typos in the text are brought to the attention of the author.
The indexer is motivated by this question: will the reader find the information meaningful when they turn to that particular page?
