Hamill Indexing Service

The Indexers' Job

An index is a set of terms and names, in alphabetical order; that provide access points to specific information in the text. An index links together information found at different places. A good index is made to the appropriate level of detail, given the complexity of the material and the needs of the audience. It will contain broad topics and specific names. It is the thoughtful choice of terms that makes an index a useful tool in information retrieval.

All non-fictions books need indexing, even the life story of a local pioneer will benefit from a names index. The index is a service you provide, and its inclusion will help to sell books. A detailed Table of Contents will not substitute for an index.

Under many publishing contracts, the author is expected to either provide an index, or to pay the cost of having one created. Indexing is a highly professional and specialized field. A professional indexer can create an index to meet any style requirements, complete the project quickly, and has the experience needed to create well constructed index.

How does an index differ from the Table of Contents or use of a word search function?

The following examples are given to illustrate that the indexer must make thoughtful choices even after the process of term selection. The index is designed to help the reader find what they need and only what they need.

- A word search will not find all the useful entries for a person, place or organization.

In the example: Jones, James W. (Shorty), 64, 68, 69, 78-79, 92, 95, 101, 223

This long string of undifferentiated locators is something that indexers try to avoid.

In this case, none of the references provide substantial information about Mr. Jones but all the pages provide some information. An electronic word search would have missed all the pages where he was referred to only as “Shorty”.

- The index is not a concordance of every time a term is used in a book.

In the example: antioxidants, 176

The term “antioxidants” appears throughout the text in the context of “the antioxidant vitamin C …”

But only on page 176 is there significant information provided about antioxidants.

- Fragmented and repeated information

In the example:

vitamin A, 12, 35, 122, 134, 220, 233, 236, 261

importance of, 144-146

and children, 255

The page numbers that do not have a subheading (12, 35, ...) replicate some part of the information found on pages 144-146. The information on page 255 is not found elsewhere. Many readers will find it a waste of time to look up the first eight references. The usability of the entry is weighed against the desire for completeness. Knowing that a good index will be provided, the author can remove repeated information during the editing process.

Terminology Tips to Authors Indexing Process How Much Will It Cost? Samples of my Work Assessing the completed index Contact Information: Carol Hamill 180 Homer Road Victoria, BC, CANADA V8Z 1V6 (250) 658-2856 hamill@island.net Website design by Patrick Meyer copyright 2006-2010	Hamill Indexing Service
	The Indexers' Job An index is a set of terms and names, in alphabetical order; that provide access points to specific information in the text. An index links together information found at different places. A good index is made to the appropriate level of detail, given the complexity of the material and the needs of the audience. It will contain broad topics and specific names. It is the thoughtful choice of terms that makes an index a useful tool in information retrieval. All non-fictions books need indexing, even the life story of a local pioneer will benefit from a names index. The index is a service you provide, and its inclusion will help to sell books. A detailed Table of Contents will not substitute for an index. Under many publishing contracts, the author is expected to either provide an index, or to pay the cost of having one created. Indexing is a highly professional and specialized field. A professional indexer can create an index to meet any style requirements, complete the project quickly, and has the experience needed to create well constructed index. How does an index differ from the Table of Contents or use of a word search function? The following examples are given to illustrate that the indexer must make thoughtful choices even after the process of term selection. The index is designed to help the reader find what they need and only what they need. - A word search will not find all the useful entries for a person, place or organization. In the example: Jones, James W. (Shorty), 64, 68, 69, 78-79, 92, 95, 101, 223 This long string of undifferentiated locators is something that indexers try to avoid. In this case, none of the references provide substantial information about Mr. Jones but all the pages provide some information. An electronic word search would have missed all the pages where he was referred to only as “Shorty”. - The index is not a concordance of every time a term is used in a book. In the example: antioxidants, 176 The term “antioxidants” appears throughout the text in the context of “the antioxidant vitamin C …” But only on page 176 is there significant information provided about antioxidants. - Fragmented and repeated information In the example: vitamin A, 12, 35, 122, 134, 220, 233, 236, 261 importance of, 144-146 and children, 255 The page numbers that do not have a subheading (12, 35, ...) replicate some part of the information found on pages 144-146. The information on page 255 is not found elsewhere. Many readers will find it a waste of time to look up the first eight references. The usability of the entry is weighed against the desire for completeness. Knowing that a good index will be provided, the author can remove repeated information during the editing process.