Book Indexing, Part 1: Is a Computer the Right Person for the Job?

                                                                Photo courtesy of Calsidyrose

In short, no.

Back-of-the-book indexing is much misunderstood, which I know from having to argue at cocktail parties that it cannot be done adequately, let alone well, by a computer. (Yes, unfortunately, that’s what passes for cocktail-party banter in my neighborhood.)

Of course I understand how computers can scan and tag and sort, and I understand that in many ways they are more accurate and reliable than humans, and thank god for that. Computers can write lists and outlines and concordances, and they can keep track of page numbers. But for a useful and intelligent book index, you need a thinking human.

(Read more.)

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Young-adult fiction from Carol Saller: Eddie's War

Kirkus Reviews, Best Children’s Books of 2011

Bankstreet, Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2012 (Twelve to Fourteen)

Chicago Public Library, 2012 Best of the Best Fiction for Teens

(More reviews)

Comments

[Shivaun Hearne]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this article. I'm going to forward it to all the authors who balk at the cost of indexing and ask why they can't just use the indexing feature in MS Word.