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    Q: How much will the index cost?

    A: The cost for indexing is normally based on indexable pages (anything with text, not including front matter, back matter, or blank pages) of the final edited and formatted book. The rate ranges depending mostly on type of book, density of text, book structure, and number of illustrations. My ranges are based on the industry averages for indexers with my level of experience.

     Q: How long will it take?

     A: My turnaround times depend on the same criteria as page rates. On average, I ask for 10 business days per 225 pages. Deadlines, however, can be negotiated when necessary.

ABOUT ME

INDEXING FAQs

    Q: Who is responsible for the creation of the index?

    A: Traditionally authors are responsible for the creation of the index, though the majority find a freelancer to write the index for them. A few publishers have an indexing staff, but most often this part of the process is contracted out. I have had instances in which an author will contact me after making an attempt at creating the index only to learn they do not have the tools, skills, or time to do so.

     Q: Can't I just have software do the job for me?

     A: Technically, yes, but what you would end up with would be a concordance rather than an index. A concordance is a list of words found in the text, whereas an index is an organization of thoughts, ideas, and concepts. For example, in a book on investments, an author may use the idiom "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," referring to risk-taking. The word risk-taking may not be used, and therefore, software would not find the concept. An index entry of bush or bird would be useless.

     Q:  At what point in the publishing process is the index created?

     A: At the very end. All edits and proofreading will need to be completed before handing off the book to an indexer. Even small changes to text can change pagination making the index worthless.