Indexing

When did you last pick up a book that had a really good index—one in which you could easily find what you wanted? Using a good index is a pleasure that appears to become rarer as time goes on.

Why Index?

Indexing is frequently overlooked. Why bother? Here are a few reasons why an index is important:

Users will find it helpful. One of the commonest complaints about technical documents is the lack of an index.
A good index adds value to the book. A poor one, on the other hand, will frustrate your readers.
Researchers need an index in order to find out quickly whether the book contains the information they seek.
Some libraries will not buy technical books that lack an index.

A Good Index

A good index is one of the most important parts of a good technical document. It helps readers find what they need quickly, because it presents the information in the way that they think. It presents topics that cover the range of terms that they user may be thinking of.

Not surprisingly, creating a good index is an art. It requires knowledge of the material, knowledge of the users, and the ability to synthesise these into a tool that is satisfying to use. Small wonder that good indexes are rare.

You put a lot of work into your book. Jade offers you a full indexing service that will result in an index worthy of your efforts.