Preparing to Index

Planning

Be certain that expectations are both clear and realistic:

Define what is to be indexed. Appendices usually contain important material users will want to find through the index. The introduction is only indexed if it presents significant material. A preface is usually not indexed.
Define when the document, specific chapters or online topics will arrive.
Define when the index is due — allowing sufficient time to create the index and handle any difficulties.
Ensure that the document will be copyedited first — particularly for consistent use of terminology.

Catch problems early:

Ensure that you have the right version of the document.
Check the page numbering as well as table and figure numbers — errors here can indicate other problems.

Before starting to write the index, take some time to absorb the overall gist of what’s being said and how things relate one to another:

Read the whole document, if available, or chapters individually.
Optionally, mark topics, keywords or phases — very much a matter of personal style.

Fred Brown
Allegro Technical Indexing
fred.brown@allegrotechindexing.com
(613) 728-9373

February, 2001
Allegro Time!