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Indexing Process
Indexing cannot begin until the book is in the final proof stage
and page numbers are finalized. When you contact a book indexer you will be asked several questions – some relate
to making a rate quotation and others to the style requirements for the index. These questions are about the topic of your
book, the number of indexable pages you anticipate, the date page proofs will be ready and your deadline. Style specifications
include index format (run-in or indented), alphabetization method, cross-reference style and more. The indexer also needs
to know if the book requires more than one index, i.e., a separate author index or index of titles. For more information on
contracting with an indexer see "Info for Authors" and "Info for Publishers" at Indexers Unlimited.
How long will it take to index my book?
The same factors that affect rates – complexity of subject
matter, density of text, number of indexes – also affect the speed of indexing. As a general rule, for books of average
difficulty many indexers expect to index 250 to 300 pages per week.
Can’t a computer program generate an
index?
Although programs have been written to construct concordances, to date no program has produced a true index. The analytical
and creative processes that a professional indexer uses in the creation of an index have yet to be reproduced by a computer.
Organizational structure to improve usefulness, terminology adapted to the intended reader, and inclusion of terms implied
but not specifically mentioned in the text are a few of the items that concern the indexer. For more information see Martin
Tulic’s page on automated indexing and ASI’s FAQs.
Professional indexers do use dedicated indexing software programs that allow them to manipulate index entries with efficiency and to meet a variety of publisher style guidelines. However,
the indexer has to select the terms to be entered, provide clear wording for the entries, and develop a logical organizational
structure for the index.
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