"Never index your own book" - Kurt Vonnegut in Cat's Cradle
WHY HAVE AN INDEX?
A good index is essential to turn a good book into a great book. An
index is much more than a concordance of all the words in the book. It
is a tool that provides immediate access to the important names,
concepts and terms used in the book. A good index allows the user to
locate information efficiently and accurately. Indexes are also used
by potential buyers (including libraries and educational
institutions), book reviewers, and your peers.
WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL INDEXER?
A professional indexer has the organizational and analytical skills
necessary to create an index that anticipates the needs of the book’s
expected audience. An author may be an expert in the field, but he or
she often cannot distance himself or herself enough to think as the
user will think. A professional indexer knows the established
principles of information retrieval. The indexer can follow the
publisher’s style guidelines and is familiar with the standards set by
The Chicago Manual of Style. Indexers have specialized indexing software and are able to provide the index in a
variety of print or electronic formats. A professional indexer will produce a high
quality index within the agreed upon time, space and format.