An index could be the thing your book is missing.

Take a look in a library or bookstore and you will find few nonfiction books that don't have indexes. That's because publishers know how important the presence of an index is to readers - and therefore how vital it is for sales.

Indies often don't realize this - and miss out on potential sales and potential good reviews.

A book index is like a guidepost or map for your readers. It tells them what to expect from your book, where to find topics that interest them, and - importantly - what isn't in the book. This means that it reduces the chances of poor reviews and increases the chances of positive reviews.

An index helps usability, which makes it more useful to readers.If you are an author thinking of creating your own index, you're in good company.

There is quite a precedent for author-indexes (especially in the world of academia, where subjects are so specialist that it's hard to find a professional indexer with relevant experience). This book will guide you through the process and show you how to do it yourself in Microsoft Word. (Sorry, no Mac instructions.)

This book is for you if...

You need easy-to-understand instructions on how to create your own index for a non-fiction book using Microsoft Word;
Your [traditional] publisher is insisting on an index and expecting you to pay for it;
You don't have a big budget;
You aren't a computer or publishing expert;
You don't want to spend weeks (or months) learning how to index.

This book is not for you if...

You need an in-depth, theory-based book. Many people like the jump-right-in, workbook approach.
You are looking for something to help you become a professional indexer, or to win indexing awards.

Most professional training courses and organizations often recommend Nancy C. Mulwary's Indexing Books.

Also check out the American Society of Indexers (ASI) - www.asindexing.org - and other professional and standards organizations in other countries. You can find courses on indexing in local colleges, as well as online.

If you do buy this [print] book, you will have the opportunity of joining the forthcoming online course based on it - free of charge. You will be able to ask questions, receive help, and see in real-time what the creation of an index involves.