Indexing Services
How do I arrange for book indexing services?
To ask for a quote, send me an email (judy@dunlopinfo.ca) describing your book and the publisher’s deadline. If you have a Word manuscript or a PDF of the book in layout, include it with your message. I will give you an estimate based on a Word manuscript or a firm quote based on the PDF.
After we agree on the fee and delivery date, I will add your book to my schedule. As you find out more about the publishing schedule, we will plan the delivery dates.
Publishers usually allow three to four weeks for indexing a scholarly book. But if you are in a rush, I can index a 200-page scholarly book in less than a week. Of course, more time is better.
If possible, contact me early in the publishing process. I will add your book to my schedule so that your project will have priority.
How much will it cost?
Indexers charge by the word, the page, the hour, or the project. For academic books, I charge by the page or project. After I see your Word manuscript or PDF, I will give you an estimate or quote for your index.
For other types of indexing work, such as indexing legislation or policy manuals, I charge by the hour.
What do you actually do when you index a book?
I will read your book at least three times.
- First, I look for significant concepts and terminology, trying to imagine which topics will be important to the reader and the author.
- Second, I write the index, developing a structure with main entries, subentries, and cross-references. I use Cindex indexing software, which performs all of the mechanical tasks of alphabetizing entries and arranging page numbers in order. This software allows me to focus on the conceptual work of writing the index.
- Finally, I check the entries, page by page, making sure that I have covered all important topics and that page numbers are accurate.
I also edit and proofread the draft index before sending it to you for review.
What about revisions to the index?
Because I use professional indexing software, I can make changes quickly and easily. I am happy to work with you until you are satisfied with the index.
Do I need to provide you with a list of keywords or main terms?
A list is not necessary because I have training and experience in selecting terms and adding cross-references. If I miss anything, let me know when you review the draft index and I can easily add or delete entries when I revise the index.
What additional services are included?
I will send you a list of issues that you may want to review, such as grammatical errors, misspelled names, and so on. I usually focus only on issues that impact the index, but if I see something that might be missed, I will let you know.
Where can I find a sample index?
To view one of more than 100 sample indexes, go to Indexes by Subject on this website and choose a subject area. Select a brown book title to link to the page on the Amazon.ca site.
A final note…
I love what I do. I understand that scholarly books often take many years of work. You deserve the best possible index to help your readers find important information and to market your book.