Should I create the index for my own book?
There are pros and cons to creating your own index. It may be a viable option if you know what you're getting into and are prepared for the challenges.
The main advantage to author-created indexes is that the author understands the book's content and structure better than anyone else. Because indexing requires synthesizing information found throughout the book, the author's knowledge is a definite benefit.
However, there are several challenges do-it-yourselfers face.
1) Word processing software isn't designed for index creation. Dedicated indexing software speeds the process and helps you refine and edit the index, but you'll need to plan for the expense and the time it will take to come up to speed on the software.
2) Unless you're trained in indexing conventions and standards, you've got a lot of nit-picky decisions ahead that will directly affect the quality of the index as well as the time it takes to complete it. Both of those compromises can be costly, whether you're talking about decreased customer satisfaction or delayed publishing deadlines.
3) Final edits are enough to drive many authors crazy after the long and intensive writing and revision process. Make sure you're ready for yet another very intensive process with the content.
4) You work with an editor because you realize that the editor's expertise and "fresh eyes" will improve your book in ways you can't, simply because you're so close to the material. The index is similar: it needs to be developed with your readers' needs in mind. Expertise and fresh eyes are an asset; closeness to the material can be a liability.
The ideal situation is to hire a professional indexer who will communicate with you should any content-related questions arise. Estimates are free, and you might be surprised at the cost-effectiveness of a professionally produced index.
For more reading: Kathleen Fitzpatrick's "How To Index Your Book (And Why I'll Never Do It Again)" in The Chronicle of Higher Education (Nov. 16, 2010).
To request an estimate, call Carol Reed at BlueStem (248-736-9705) or click here to email.
The main advantage to author-created indexes is that the author understands the book's content and structure better than anyone else. Because indexing requires synthesizing information found throughout the book, the author's knowledge is a definite benefit.
However, there are several challenges do-it-yourselfers face.
1) Word processing software isn't designed for index creation. Dedicated indexing software speeds the process and helps you refine and edit the index, but you'll need to plan for the expense and the time it will take to come up to speed on the software.
2) Unless you're trained in indexing conventions and standards, you've got a lot of nit-picky decisions ahead that will directly affect the quality of the index as well as the time it takes to complete it. Both of those compromises can be costly, whether you're talking about decreased customer satisfaction or delayed publishing deadlines.
3) Final edits are enough to drive many authors crazy after the long and intensive writing and revision process. Make sure you're ready for yet another very intensive process with the content.
4) You work with an editor because you realize that the editor's expertise and "fresh eyes" will improve your book in ways you can't, simply because you're so close to the material. The index is similar: it needs to be developed with your readers' needs in mind. Expertise and fresh eyes are an asset; closeness to the material can be a liability.
The ideal situation is to hire a professional indexer who will communicate with you should any content-related questions arise. Estimates are free, and you might be surprised at the cost-effectiveness of a professionally produced index.
For more reading: Kathleen Fitzpatrick's "How To Index Your Book (And Why I'll Never Do It Again)" in The Chronicle of Higher Education (Nov. 16, 2010).
To request an estimate, call Carol Reed at BlueStem (248-736-9705) or click here to email.