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Is your nonfiction book naked? It is if it doesn't have a professionally prepared index.

The value of a professional index to a nonfiction book can not be overstated. Have you ever picked up a reference book to use it for a research project, or just to find the answer to some curious little question, only to find there is no index in the back of the book? The book is virtually useless for anything other than reading.

 

So...how is the index created?

An index is more than a repeat of the Table of Contents placed at the back of the book.

A professional indexer will carefully read the manuscript then select the main headings and sub headings that are appropriate for, and important to, anyone searching for topical information.

Once the headings have been identified, the indexer must determine if a heading must be double-posted—in other words, will one person look for “automobile: Ford” while another will look directly for “Ford.”

While reading the manuscript, the indexer must also identify terms that have the same meaning, and cross reference them for additional locations. If the manuscript discusses “China” in some instances and “People's Republic of China ” in others, the indexer must cross reference these topics in order to provide the reader with the greatest number of locations to find their information.

The professional indexer must put him/herself in the mind of the reader, and prepare the most accurate, understandable index possible.

Indexing rates

These rates are basic and designed to provide you with an idea of cost. Final cost will be determined by the complexity and depth of the material submitted.

Minimum indexing rate is $3.00 per page of indexable material. Non-indexable material generally includes Title Page; Table of Contents; Acknowledgements; Copyright page. Introduction pages and Bibliography may or may not be considered indexable depending upon content.

The rate may increase in the case of complex scholarly works.

To receive a specific price, please provide a sample chapter for review. This may be submitted via e-mail attachment; faxed to 410-482-6337; or sent through U.S. Mail to 301 Wood Duck Drive; Greensboro, MD 21639. A price quote will be returned within 3 working days from the time of receipt.

A deposit of 50% will be required when the contract is signed and prior to the beginning of work. Final payment will be expected within 30 days of completion of the work.
So, if you are a publishing house looking for accurate back-of-the-book indexes; or a business that produces in-house documentation then JCR will work with you to provide a professional index in a timely manner.

For additional information click here to complete my easy-to-use online request form,

or e-mail JCR: jreveal@justcreativewriting.com
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Page Last Updated 05/27/2008 6:09 PM