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reader
USA
59 Posts |
 Posted - 11/06/2008 : 10:02:25
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| I read your newsletter article about book indexes. Do you think I really need one? My book has a number of contributors. How long does it take to do an index? |
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scdbbs
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - 11/06/2008 : 10:09:01
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It really depends on your book. Most non-fiction books benefit from an index.
For me, it takes about 2 days (I think) to do an index. I have to get into what I think of as Zen Index Mode. It's sort of a weird state of mind where you read the book in a very a different way, so it helps if you can set aside some big blocks of time.
Fortunately, the indexing tools in InDesign are the best I've ever used, so that helps a lot. But you still have to spend a LOT of time staring at each page of your manuscript. Oh and be sure to learn the ID keyboard shortcuts too.
If you decide to do it yourself, this article may help.
http://www.computorcompanion.com/LPMArticle.asp?ID=313
You could do without, but an index adds to the perceived quality of the book. Plus, because you have a lot of contributors, they might find it cool to have their name in the index. (The first time I was mentioned in a book called Grow Your Business with Desktop Marketing way, way back, I was SO excited because in addition to using my biz as an example, my *name* was in the index; sometimes it's the little things.!)
Susan Daffron
Logical Expressions, Inc.
http://www.logicalexpressions.com
Founder National Association of Pet Rescue Professionals
http://www.naprp.com
Author - Web Business Success, Happy Hound, Happy Tabby,
Vegan Success and avid IdeaWeaver software user
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Do I need an index?
