About Wordmaps Indexing Services

Some books have an urgent message to impart. Some aim for top sales figures. Others have reputations to make or uphold, or professional services to sell. I work with authors and those who assist them to create the index that best fits the needs of each author’s book.

On Wordmaps web site, you’ll  learn what you need to know to get the right index for you. You will learn how to spot a poor index. And you’ll learn how to market your book by using your index. Just as a map helps a traveler reach a destination, Wordmaps can help you achieve your goals for your book.

What Are Wordmaps?

A map is a representation of a larger area on a much smaller scale. An index does much the same thing as a map, using words and concepts rather than line and color.

“Wordmaps” is an indexing approach aimed at promoting your books by ensuring that my index fully supports your goals for your book while also providing your readers with full access to your work.

Wordmaps Benefits

I create indexes that promote the goals of authors and publishers, whether that’s to make money, make a name, earn fame, or entertain.

  • My index will help market your book to your readers.
  • It will help enhance your professional or academic reputation.
  • Readers will be able to find what they are looking for in your book.
  • It could help your book win a book award.

The Wordmaps Process

Wordmaps are developed using the following five steps:

  1. Identify the goals of the author and publisher.
  2. Define the primary and secondary audiences for the book.
  3. Match the content and style of the index to that of the book.
  4. Whenever necessary, use the index to correct weaknesses in the book.
  5. Always make sure the index maps the strengths of the book.

My Guarantees

  • I provide clear explanations for the indexing choices available to you.
  • I work collaboratively with you to solve any problems that arise.
  • I guarantee on-time delivery.
  • I will supply a free report of errors or oddities in your manuscript.
  • I will provide layout tips so your index looks its best.
  • I will be available for questions and/or minor alterations for five days.
  • You’ll receive my complimentary one-page Plan of Indexing for your book.

Costs

As is the case when hiring other professionals, you are paying for the education, experience and equipment of a professional indexer. You pay for temperament too. We indexers must have a penchant for fine detail, yet we also need to be able understand a large number of books on a wide array of subjects. Curiosity is another trait I share with other good indexers.

I use a special software for indexing (CINDEX). It outputs the index into a Word document, HTML or other file-type you might need. This software is expensive and it speeds up my indexing process immeasurably. For ebooks, I will refer you to a digital formatter who can link your index entries with the text in the digital file for your book. I also make free referals to other kinds of publishing experts you might need.

I usually charge a page rate. The specific page rate quoted  for your index depends on many factors. Click here to see a list of Cost Factors for Indexes.

Before I can give you an estimate, I will ask for a few representative pages of your book so I can see what is needed. My index estimates are free.

If you choose to use my indexing services I use a standard indexing contract that includes my specifications sheet for formatting your index.

Billing

My invoicing system is Freshbooks. I accept checks and PayPal payments. I require a deposit before indexing work begins. After the indexing process is complete and your are happy with the results, I send an invoice for the remainder owed. Payment is due upon receipt of the invoice.