Why an index?
Are you wondering why your book should have an index? There is one very good reason: it makes your book more usable. An index functions as a road map to your book. It allows the person who hasn't read the book to see what is in your book. It allows the person who has already read it to go back and find the information that they know is somewhere in there.
Research, in fact, has shown that a well written index adds value to the book and can actually increase sales. Book reviews will often mention whether or not there is an index. While it may seem to be an unwanted expense at the moment, it will prove to be a wise investment in the long run. For information on how I can help you get a professional index at a fair rate, contact me at karen@schmittindexing.com.
What kind of an index?
There are two main styles of indexes to choose from: indented and run-in. Indented indexes are generally easier to read while run-in indexes usually take up less room. The following are examples of the two styles.
Indented Run-in
Individual rights and incivility, 407 Individual rights and incivility, 407
Industries, types of, 407, 409 Industries, types of, 407, 409
Instigators of incivility, 406, 411fig Instigators of incivility, 406, 411fig; antisocial
antisocial behavior and, 419 behavior and, 419; characteristics of, 405, 409,
characteristics of, 405, 409, 418 418; consequences to, 412-413; perspectives of,
consequences to, 412-413 417-418
perspectives of, 417-418 Intent to harm, 404, 405
Intent to harm. 404, 405
There are additional stylistic variations of indexes such as sorting order (word-by- word and letter-by-letter), capitalization, number of sub-headings, and cross references.
If you have any questions about indexes or would like to see samples of indexes created by Schmitt Indexing, please send an email to: karen@schmittindexing.com.
