Authors: how I will work with you to create the best index

Excellence in indexing
My indexing credentials mean you can trust that I will produce a high-quality index that ticks all the right technical boxes. If I am reviewing your index, I will make sure it does the same. But I am not satisfied with ‘good enough’, and nor should you be: I aim for excellent indexes that truly delight my authors, and any improvements I suggest to your own indexes will be targeted so that they add value to your book.

I am not a robot
I hope it goes without saying that I do not use AI or any other tools to generate my indexes automatically. My indexes are the result of a careful reading and analysis of your book, by my own eyes and brain.

Confidentiality
I never share book manuscripts with anyone else and never upload them anywhere they may be used to train large language models.

Our working relationship
I appreciate that it will have taken blood, sweat and tears to get your manuscript ready for indexing. You may have shed some more if you have created some or all the index yourself, and decided you need help! I strive to create an easy and constructive working relationship with all my authors, and provide whatever level of explanation and support they need to make this vital stage as stress-free as possible. I usually conduct all my business by email, but a preliminary conversation over the phone or via Zoom can be helpful, especially if we are going to work in partnership to produce your index.

If you are working with a publisher, the chances are I have worked with them before so know how the indexing slots into their production process. Or if you are self-publishing, I can work with you and your team to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Creating your index from scratch
Creating indexes from scratch comprises the bulk of my work. For most print books, I receive the PDF proofs of the book once it has been edited and typeset: the page numbers are pretty much locked down enabling me to associate index topics with pages in the book. I create an index in .docx or .RTF format and it is then typeset and added to the book.

Some publishers prefer indexing to take place before the book has been typeset. In this situation, and/or for e-books, I need to create an embedded index.

When you contact me, the first thing I will do is review a sample couple of chapters to check I am the right person for the job. (It does not have to be typset at this point.) If all looks good, we will agree my rate/fee for the work, and a schedule (or approximate schedule). I always try to build in some contingency time: I often deliver early, but have never delivered late. At this stage I will send you more information about how I work, and some guidance on reviewing my completed index. When your manuscript is ready and it is time to start work, we will finalise details about index presentation and coverage.

I will take on board any indexing preferences or requirements you have (e.g. indexing coverage and length, and how to handle certain types of content, or sensitive subject-matter), and should any challenges present themselves, make my own recommendations for pragmatic solutions based on what I have found to work well.

Reviewing your index / Bespoke services
If you have already created an index and want to ensure it is up to standard, I can review it for you and provide detailed feedback on areas for improvement, or make the necessary changes myself depending on time and budgetary constraints. Or if you have started an index and found the names easy to capture but got in a tangle over conceptual topics, I can help with this too! (See my case studies for an example of this type of work.)

When you contact me,  the first thing I will do is review a sample of a couple of chapters  in order to check that it is in a subject area I am confident with so that I can provide the most efficient service possible. I will also ask to see your index so that I can scope out the work required. Then together, we will determine a bespoke schedule of work and budget.