Indexes Making Differences

When book buyers are considering potential purchases, the index can make the difference. A simple, organized layout with clear sections and an easy-to-use index may give your book the edge. Although writing an index can seem daunting for authors, it strengthens the appeal of your work. The index must be clear and accurate to maximize its efficiency and appeal.

When developing the structure of your book, keep the index in mind. Remember the following:

• The index is not an extended table of contents.
• The index should not be a rewritten version of the book.
• The index is for the readers and should be made understandable for them.
• Computers can help organize an index, but a professional indexer connects the concepts and delineates the categories.
• A good index allows readers to navigate easily.

Using an experienced freelance indexer trained in professionally writing indexes will compliment your work. Publishers look for the whole package (a well-written book and a well-organized index) to increase sales of the book.

The struggle that most beginning indexers and most authors who try to index their books face is that they cannot visualize the concepts and ideas that are mentioned or discussed and belong in an index but are not directly called out. Inexperienced indexers and authors can usually make a list of terms (names and words or phrases used in the book), but a computer can do this as well.

A professional indexer with years of experience can recognize when a term belongs in an index even when that particular word or phrase is not used in the text. And including these terms is what truly makes an index professional, user friendly, and complete.