Book indexing is a form of writing and the index is essentially the map of a book.
Book indexers constantly must make value judgments as they work through the text,
deciding what to include and what to leave out of the index. That is what makes
book indexing an intellectual challenge as well as an art.
The human indexer, the most important element to indexing a book, must read the
entire book. Writing an index requires structuring of ideas and concepts for easy
access, while anticipating various specific needs of readers. The book indexer uses
the same terminology as in the book where possible, but frequently the indexer must
choose between different variations of terms to describe the same idea.
Book indexers constantly must make value judgments as they work through the text,
deciding what to include and what to leave out of the index. That is what makes book
indexing an intellectual challenge as well as an art - something that computers
simply can not do. Automatic book indexing software can produce a concordance,
but a concordance is not an index.
Indexing a book can only be learned by example, by training and experience as
there are few hard and fast rules other than basic guidelines from national and
international standards.
The book indexer usually receives the page proofs and is given an unreasonably
short deadline within which to write the index. The indexer must read the entire
text thoroughly and undertakes a complete analysis of the text in order to index
the book. Index entries are created by filtering information - separating the trivial
from the substantive, making implicit concepts explicit, while simultaneously
identifying the underlying structure of ideas that run throughout the
book.
The book indexer creates a list of headings and subheadings with corresponding
page locators. and cross-references in accordance with a style guide such as the Chicago Manual of Style. After all the entries have been made, the indexer then
edits the index structure for clarity and consistency, formatting the index to the
client's specifications and space available for the index.. The index has to be proof-
read and checked for visual effectiveness and ease of use. Finally the
indexer delivers
the completed index to the client, usually in an MS Word or Rich Text document.
The Art and the Craft of Book Indexing
- As for how to write an index, or what goes on between the ears of the
book indexer, that's a subject for books, courses, workshops and lifelong
learning from experience.
- The mechanics of writing an index are frequently underestimated. Indexing
is both an art and a craft involving meticulous hard work, clear thought, and
numerous interpretations and judgments.
- What makes a high quality index is apparent when looking at the finished index.
- A good quality index enhances the value of a book, by providing quick access to the information contained throughout the book. Studies have repeatedly shown that books with an index have increased book sales.
- Book indexes are considered "works of art" and are recognized and protected
by copyright legislation.
info@cpynebookindexing.com
