Successful authors recognize that readers prefer to buy books with well written
and organized indexes. A good index has a "perceived value" because it gives the
readers quick access to information within a book.
An index written to generally accepted indexing standards performs flawlessly,
and provides quick efficient access to information. However, if the index is poorly
written, the reader becomes frustrated and will very likely move on to the next book.
The index is for readers who read the book but want to look up specific terms used
by the author without having to leaf randomly through the book in hope of finding what
they want.
The index is for readers who do not read the book but who are seeking information
by searching for various key words in the index, quickly and efficiently.
The index is for readers with very specialized knowledge, who use the book
essentially as a reference book, to search for specific terms and concepts
quickly
and efficiently.
The index is for readers with little time or patience to read the whole
book.
The index is forbook browsers wanting to compare books and decide which to buy.
The index is for librarians who make recommendations on purchases of books, and
who search for information for their clients. Librarians prefer books with indexes.
The index is for academics and scholars who rely on indexes to find very specific
information critical to their research.
A book with a quality index experiences increased book sales. Books published
without an index are not taken as seriously by readers, reviewers or librarians,
and book sales reflect its absence.
Miguel De Cervantes "... and for the citation of so many authors, 'tis the easiest thing in nature'. Find out one of these books with an alphabetical index, and without any farther ceremony, remove it verbatim into your own; at least, such a flourishing train of attendants will give your book a fashionable air, and recommend it for sale."
info@cpynebookindexing.com
