:: What is an Index?

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"Writing an index does not come naturally, like breathing. It is more like
playing the fiddle: some learn to do it reasonably well, a few will become
virtuosi, but most people will never know how to do it. This simple truth
seems lost on publishers and editors." Hans H. Wellisch

The author can be an expert in his/her field, but be emotionally too close to their
book to be able to write a quality index that does justice to the book's contents.

• When writing an index, it can be difficult to decide which details to include, and
  which ones to leave out of the index. Organizing all these details into a meaningful
  web of headers and subheadings, and cross-references, can be daunting!
  
  
• Indexing is a skill, developed over time, and the first index is usually a disaster.
  Do you really know what is involved in writing an index?
  
  
• Writer's fatigue and yet another deadline to write the index, may be too much!
  
  
• And don't forget the author's spouse - who may be unable to tolerate the book
  in the house for one more month, week or even one more day!
  

A professional indexer has the training and experience obtained from writing
a great many indexes and the challenges associated with structuring information
for easy access and retrieval.. Indexing is an art and a skill, developed over time.

• A professional indexer has the necessary organizational and analytical skills; and
  knows the established principles of information retrieval; knows the publisher's
  style guidelines and standards such as The Chicago Manual of Style.
  
  
• A professional indexer will write a high-quality index to your specifications, style,
  format and length. The index will be written within your time constraints and for
  the book's anticipated audience.
  
  
• A good index adds real value to a book which increases book sales. Successful
  authors recognize that readers prefer to buy books with well written and
  organized indexes.