A comprehensive index for the back of YOUR book.
Your index matters.
An index is one of the easiest ways to determine the quality of a book without reading the entire thing. It’s the first place booksellers and librarians look when deciding whether to purchase a book or not, and the only thing worse than no index at all is a badly written index. That’s where I come in. As a professional indexer, it’s my job to produce an index of the highest quality, and I have the training and the tools to do so. I use dedicated indexing software that allows me to meet any requirements specified, and I enjoy working with authors and publishers to produce comprehensive yet concise indexes.
Education and Affiliation
I’m trained in the Berkeley Method of Indexing by the University of California - Berkeley. I completed their indexing course in 2019.
I’m affiliated with the American Society for Indexing, and continue growing my skillset through their resources and programs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does an index cost?
The good news is, probably less than you think! Most indexers charge between $2-$6 per indexable page, depending on the book. For example, a popular science book or a memoir/biography might have 200 indexable pages. Depending on the indexer, you might pay $400-$600. For a more in depth book, like a text book, technical book or academic book, an indexer might charge $800-$1200 for a 200 page book. It all depends on the subject matter and other factors like indexing figures or tables, index style, and the time frame. The best way to determine cost is to send me a sample chapter from the middle of the book and let me give you an estimate.
Why should I hire you to do something I could do myself?
Indexing is a specialized type of writing. More analytical than creative, crafting a good index is time consuming and not as straight-forward as one might assume. From the various styles to the copious rules, indexing takes time to get right. I have the skills (and the expensive software!) to efficiently and effectively create a top notch index before your deadline. I consider your readers and what they will be looking for, and I do it at an affordable rate.
My areas of interest include but aren’t limited to: Music, Sociology, Women’s Studies, Geology, General Science, Politics, Juvenile Non-Fiction, True Crime, and Cookbooks.
What I’ve Been Working On Lately:
The People and the Music: Country & Bluegrass, That Is! by Barbara Martin Stephens
Select Previous Work:
Cops on Campus, edited by Yalile Suriel, Grace Watkins, Jude Paul Matias Dizon, and John J. Sloan III
On the Significance of Religion for Deliberative Democracy by Ruby Quantson Davis, Elizabeth Gish, and Kudakwashe Chitsike
Libraries as Dysfunctional Organizations and Workplaces edited by Spencer Acadia
Strolling Players of Empire by Kathleen Wilson
Campus Crime, 4th Edition edited by Bonnie S. Fisher and John J. Sloan III
The Sam Rivers Sessionography by Rick Lopez
The Disputed Legacy of Sidney Hook by Dr. Gary Bullert
Inside the American Cultural-Identity Conundrum by Ian L. Clark
Top 40 Herbs of North America by Angela Harris
Grow Your Grit by Col. David Fivecoat
Restart by Doreen Dodgen-Magee
Felon: The New Slur Word by Justin Guyton
About Me:
I’m Rebecca Golden, sole proprietor of Golden Rule Indexing. I have loved to make lists and analyze texts since I was a child, and I have always had a passion for reading and books. Indexing is a natural progression of my lifelong hobbies into a career I enjoy, and at which I excel.
Want to see a sample of my work?
Let’s work together!
To receive a quote, please send me a sample chapter from the middle of the book, the approximate number of indexable pages, and your deadline.
“I utilized the service of Golden Rule Indexing for my recently published book. I found Ms. Golden to be professional, honest and dependable. Most importantly, she did the job right the first time and her services were affordable. I would recommend Golden Rule Indexing to anyone in need of indexing services.”
— Justin Guyton, Author
“Detailed analytical indexing is generally the hallmark of good back-of-book indexes.”
— Hans H. Wellisch