The Art of Indexing

By Larry S. Bonura

Book Overview

A step-by-step guide to creating comprehensive and usable technical indexes. Numerous surveys indicate that the most common complaint about technical documents concern a poorly designed index--or the lack of an index altogether An organized, thoughtful index not only ensures that the contents of your book are accessible, but also increases the value of your book. In The Art of Indexing, professional indexer and editorial consultant Larry Bonura addresses the indexing problems specific to technical documentation and presents practical solutions to those problems. The Art of Indexing shows technical writers, editors, and documentation managers how to chart the topics of their books, reports, and documents and present a concise and accurate map that readers, researchers, libraries, bookstores, and reviewers can use to maximize the usefulness of their book. Step-by-step, The Art of Indexing shows you how to become a better indexer by: * Discussing the function of an index * Showing how to estimate indexing time * Presenting methods for selecting entries and subentries * Reviewing reasons for cross-referencing * Describing how to treat locators * Offering an extensive editing checklist for reviewing indexes * Covering indexing for online documents * Including numerous usability tests for verifying the strength of an index * Containing information on indexing standards * Providing sample indexes and a sample indexing style guide * And much more

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471014494
• ISBN13: 9780471014492
• Release Date: April 1994
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.7" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

A good book for beginners

I liked this book and the way it is written. The subtopics allow the reader to go to whatever category she wishes. You don't have to read through the whole book to find what you want. I especially liked the entries on sample indexes, editing an index, and the check list.

Concise Indexing Reference

I ordered the book because I needed a reference for developing an index for online help. When I received the book, I was astonished at the size. I was expecting a hefy book. After taking a look, I discovered that it is so well-written that there is absolutely nothing unnecessary in it. It makes good use of headings and provides examples. Also, I liked the sections that helped the writer focus on how to anticipate what questions the user might have.

Outstanding Book!

I had often edited existing indexes, but when I was faced with my first requirement to index a technical manual from scratch, I purchased this book based on recommendations from other tech writers. It is outstanding - really helped me identify the major aspects of indexing. I found it very compatible with Adobe FrameMaker and the indexing software called IXgen, ............................... With this book and IXgen, I created a totally awesome index for a complex technical manual and my client loved it (as did his customers)! One of the nice features of this book is that it is organized very effectively. It took me only a few hours to read through it the first time, just to get started on my index. After I made the first pass on my index, I re-read the book and picked up the finer points that I had missed (or didn't appreciate) the first time.

This book will make you an expert.

I took indexing for granted because I had writers who created wonderful indexes. Then I had to create some myself. This was not so wonderful.Larry's book covers the fundamentals of indexing and the pitfalls to avoid indexes that aren't worth the time. He also defines 'achieving completeness' by detailing the key components of: exhaustiveness, precision, faithfullness to the wording of the text, and usability. And for advanced indexers, he includes the Wheatley Medal criteria...something that will help us novices, too.Larry also spends time taking the mystery out how to assemble the index. He explores all the methods and speaks to their positives and negatives.Larry's material is excellent, exhaustive, and concise...it's user-friendly. I especially appreciated the sample indexing style guide. Hooray for consistency! Thanks, Larry. You're an answer to prayer.

If you only buy one book on indexing, this should be it.

In comparing it to other indexing books, this one is clearly written. Indexing, according to Bonura, is for an orderly mind. His mind is orderly, and it shows in how the book is written. Other indexing books are not so "orderly." Fantastic!