:: What is an Index?

Increase Book Sales

A good index adds perceived value to a book which in turn increases book sales.
Successful authors recognize that book readers prefer to buy books with well written
and organized indexes, written by professional indexers.

• Book readers look for good indexes, because indexes are like maps directing them
  to information within a book, quickly and efficiently.
  

• Bookstore buyers and point-of-sale browsers compare books before buying to
  check the inclusion of the secondary topics not mentioned in the chapter headings.
  
  
• Amazon.com knows that potential buyers look for indexes when deciding which
  of several similar books to buy. Amazon now includes indexes in the "Look Inside"
  feature of most books to let customers compare book indexes before buying a book.
  
  
• Librarians and library associations make decisions about which books to purchase
  and say that books with indexes are definitely preferred.
  
  
• Educators and institutions recognize that professors choose textbooks that have
  citations of their own work in the index. Imagine the sales you could lose by alienating
  this particular group of readers by not including citations in an index.
  
  
• Peer recognition. Indexes give an indication of authors' pride in their own work, and
  their regard for fellow researchers in the citations of the index.
  
  
• Book reviews frequently draw attention to whether a book has or does not have
  an index. An index is invaluable for reviewers assessing a book's contents.
  

The professional book indexer adds value during book production.

• Book production. The indexer is the "last set of eyes" to read the book thoroughly
  and carefully just prior to sending the book to print. Frequently the indexer catches
  last-minute typographical errors and typos that would otherwise be missed.