INDEXING
The costs vary from project to project depending upon the page size, the density of the indexable material, and the size of the completed index.
Traditionally there are four rate structures:
Per Page
This is the most common form. Keep in mind that the dimensions of the page differs from book to book as does the font size, the number of illustrations, and the density of the information. The introduction, glossary, and appendices are indexed only if specifically requested. The cost will range from $2.50 to $5.00 a page.
Per Hour
Rates typically range from $25 to $50 an hour depending upon the type of text. Although it is easy to track the number of hours spent producing an index, it is difficult to accurately project a total hour estimate due to the varying sizes of chapters.
Per Project
Rates are determined in advance on a project-by-project a basis. Sample chapters and a Table of Contents must be submitted before any estimate can be made.
Per Entry
Rates run around $0.50 per entry. However, what defines an "entry" would need to be agreed upon before indexing proceeds.
Revisions are free for the first hour. Thereafter, all changes will be charged by an hourly rate.
Additional charges may include the costs of printing out hardcopy at $0.20 per page.
Before any price quote is given two sample chapters (not Chapter 1) must be submitted for evaluation. Also an approximation of the number of pages to be indexed and the desired size of the completed index.
Upon receipt of these items an Estimate of Charges will be completed and mailed-e-mailed to you for approval. Upon that approval an indexing contract will be sent.
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NEW!
WORKSHOP
An Indexing Basics workshop is also available for your group.
In it I cover all the basic principles of indexing and share many of the resources available.
This workshop is geared to those:
interested in joining the profession,
authors who want to write their own index,
editors who need to be able to proof an index,
publishers who need to better understand what makes a quality index.
The first part of the workshop I will:
define what an index is and is not,
go over the available software used in indexing,
share what standards, textbooks, and websites are used as resources,
explain what are various types of indexes and the formatting options,
instruct how to craft an index entry, subentry, and cross-reference,
point out some of common indexing challenges,
discuss indexing concepts that are critical to understand before writing an index.
The second part of the workshop the audience members will:
read a short story ,
highlight indexable words and passages,
write index entries,
draft a working index,
share with the group.
This workshop is offered as a basic two hour presentation but can be expanded to up to four hours.
Each participant will be given a presentation outline which includes a list of resources, and a short story to index.
Rates for the workshop vary with its length. An additional copy fee may apply.
Email or call for further enquires.
I look forward to hearing from you.
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In accordance with the American Society for Indexing, the following Best Practices will be observed:
As Individual Indexers
Information Access
We promote access to information in all of its forms. To the best of our ability, we provide truthful and accurate communications. We dedicate ourselves to conciseness, clarity, coherence, and creativity, striving to meet the needs of all clients who may need the services of indexers and information architects.
Quality
We strive to produce the best indexes possible within time and budget constraints. We negotiate realistic agreements on schedules, price, and delivery format, and we fulfill contractual obligations in a timely, responsible manner. We are truthful in advertising our services. We try to alert our clients and employers when we believe that material in documents has problematic aspects.
Confidentiality
We respect the confidentiality of clients and employers, disclosing business-sensitive information only with their consent or when legally required to do so. Any indexing samples included in resumes are properly attributed. Indexes used in commercial demonstrations or presented to another client or employer are given proper bibliographic identification.
Fairness
We avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts to clients and employers before proceeding with negotiations or projects.
Professionalism
We are devoted to education about indexing. When asked, we evaluate information products and services constructively and tactfully and seek definitive assessments of our own professional performance. We seek to advance the profession of indexing through our own integrity and excellence. We assist others in our profession through mentoring, networking, and instruction. Through courses and conferences held nationally and regionally, we encourage professional development at all levels, from beginner to advanced indexer.
As Indexing Team Leaders and Managers
Mentoring and Critiquing
We provide appropriate mentoring and supportive critiquing, particularly when supervising projects that can affect safety, health, or health sciences research or when supervising any project that can affect the welfare of others.
Guidelines and Atmosphere
We provide guidelines that are clear and sufficient for each project. We also establish a friendly atmosphere that encourages reasonable and appropriate questions.
ASI