Kingsley Indexing Services

Authors can index their own books using common word processing software. If they can do this themselves, why seek professional help?

• Authors grow close to their work. They are aware of the terms and concepts in their book. However, sometimes authors are too aware and want to index everything! They may not know how to use consistent terminology or how to narrow down concepts and terms by using cross-references.
• Word processing software is okay for compiling words. However, word processing software cannot index concepts . This problem is twofold:
  1. Synonymy: multiple words can refer to the same concept. Indexers are experts at selecting appropriate words and adding see or see also references when needed.
  2. Polysemy: the same word can refer to more than one concept. For example, bank may be a place to keep money or the side of a river. Indexers select the best term(s) appropriate for a book’s subject domain and audience.