Schroeder Indexing Services

Founded in 1972

Schroeder Indexing Services, Inc. specializes in creating the perfect index for every project we receive. Since starting with a wide range of indexing services in 1972, Schroeder Indexing Services has developed a reputation as one of America's premier indexers.


While Schroeder Indexing is a highly computerized operation, using PC equipment and CINDEX™, a dedicated indexing software package, all indexing is human controlled. A computer can perform the mechanical tasks of index production, but not the creative and intellectual aspects that make a superior index.


Quality control, fast, reliable turnaround, and skilled editing are the most important guidelines in producing a superior index. If a deadline is accepted, a quality index will be delivered before your deadline. Many clients are repeat clients.

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What We Do

At Schroeder Indexing Services, indexing is all we do. Producing a quality index that meets all of your specifications before your deadline is our goal.


  • Each project is managed by a professional indexer with many years experience. This indexer is responsible for the critical areas of term selection and the final edit.
  • A dedicated indexing package, CINDEX™, is used for data input and editing.
  • Previous indexes can be converted to CINDEX™ and updated with corrected page numbers. However, it is generally better to start from scratch.
  • Data input and editorial corrections are the responsibility of a professional word processor.
  • All indexes are guaranteed to be comprehensive and yet reader friendly.
  • All indexes are spellchecked and proofread.
  • A wide variety of project sizes are worked on.
  • Your deadlines are extremely important to us.
  • Rates are structured by the indexable page. (See Pricing)
  • Clients can control depth and index style through a style sheet.
  • While dedicated indexing software—CINDEX™ is used, files are generally provided to the client in RTF format. Plain text and HTML format are also available.
  • Rush projects are accepted via the internet at an additional cost.
  • Index files are generally transmitted to the client by e-mail; but laser printouts are also available.
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Our Process


Schroeder Indexing Services prefers to receive PDF proofs as they become available. (Pages in Microsoft Word or similar word processing and publishing applications are not acceptable.) This allows us to better meet the deadlines.


While an index can be compiled in first pass proofs, most indexers prefer to wait until at least second pass. This allows the author, the designer, and the proofreader to identify any problems in the text before the index is compiled.


The proofs are color coded with highlighters to indicate entries and where an entry should be placed if multiple indexes are being produced. Each chapter is quickly read so that the general concepts are more easily identified. Then the pages are carefully reread and entries indicated by various codes and numbers. Pages are then given to a word processor who enters the terms into CINDEX™, a dedicated indexing software program, set up for a particular project according to the style sheet.


This allows for faster turnaround on a project. CINDEX™ is used to produce a working draft of the index which can then be edited and refined in order to fit the space allowed. This file is then spellchecked. Each index is edited at least twice. If there has been copy reflow, the tracked proofs allow for easier correction. If desired, the index is then coded to meet the publisher's needs.

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Planning Your Index

At Schroeder Indexing Services we work with you to plan your index before we get started working so that it's perfect.


We put our years of indexing experience to work for each and every client  to guarantee high-quality work.


Click the link below to learn more about planning your index with us!

More Information

Why people believe in us

“I think this [ICD-10  CM and ICD-10 PCS Handbook (American Hospital Association)] is the most accurate, useful index I've ever seen from an indexer; I'm really impressed (and glad!)."

-AHA

“Your index for the second book [Savannah Immortal City  Vol 2— Brokers, Bankers, and Bay Lane: The Savannah Slave Trade and Business Model, 1850-1865] is a tour de force.”

-SIC

“As always, I wanted to thank you for the prompt service. I also appreciate your having made special note of the Reference name discrepancies so that the author could correct errors in both indexes and the main text.”

-BF

“Thanks for your efforts in meeting our needs in the index department. You’ve always come through promptly no matter how little time we’ve given you to go through a project.”

-BO

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • Why should I choose Schroeder Indexing Services?

    At Schroeder Indexing Services, indexing is all we do. Our goal is to produce high-quality indexes that meet all of your specifications before your deadline. We complete all indexing projects by your deadline so that your work can be published when you need it to be.


    Contact us today for all of your indexing needs. We look forward to working with you!

  • What Is an Index?

    An alphabetical arrangement of information that is generally different from the order of the material in the full document. It is designed to enable readers to locate information quickly and efficiently.

  • What Are the Basic Principles of Indexing?

    Text and concept analysis, the identification of relevant concepts, the indication of their relationship to each other.

  • What do I supply?

    We prefer electronic PDF proofs. Pages in Microsoft Word or similar word processing and publishing applications are not acceptable. Printed galley proofs are an option if electronic proofs are not available.

  • Does My Project Need an Index?

    Generally, yes. There are very few books for which an index is not needed. When individuals are looking for a specific piece of information, they want to find it fast. A table of contents is generally not sufficient. Electronic search programs are also inadequate.


    An index will generally increase your sales and text adoption. Many libraries require that a book have an index in order to be considered for purchase. A quality index could be a deciding factor when comparing two books on the same subject.

  • What Is a Glindex?

    A glindex is a combination index and glossary. The definition is included as the first subhead.

  • Why Should I hire a professional indexer?

    Since a good index is both an art and a science, it is more that an alphabetical list of topics with page numbers. Creating a good index requires an understanding of the subject matter and of the reader. Text analysis, patience, objectivity, speed, technical training, and experience all go into making a good index.


    A professional indexer can focus on the needs of both the novice reader and the more advanced reader and make all concepts instantly available.

  • Can An Index Be Made with Word Processing Software?

    Word processing software is acceptable for writing a book, but an index needs professional indexing software. This software allows you to globally reformat your index, move topics around, and make entries more consistent.

  • What is the Difference Between Dedicated Indexing and Embedded Indexing?

    A dedicated index is created by reading the material and retyping the entries, subheads, and locators into a specially designed computer screen. An embedded index is created by inserting codes into the text itself. The advantage of a dedicated index is that the indexer can see the index in the process. Embedded indexing is often used for computer books, which might be frequently revised.

  • How Much Will My Index Cost

    There are several ways to charge for an index--by the indexable page, by the entry, by the hour, or by the project.


    I prefer to charge by the indexable page. This means that I only charge for the pages that are to be included in the index. Blank pages, reference lists, case studies, glossaries, and other back matter are generally discounted. Most books range between $3.00 and $4.50 for an indexable page. If you would like to get an estimate, please download my rate sheet and email it along with a few sample pages to me at sanindex@schroederindexing.com.


    I will be happy to provide you with an estimate. Please note that the estimate does not constitute an offer to provide an index at that cost. The form is only intended to give you an immediate approximate cost to provide an index for your project.

  • How Long Does It Take to Index a Typical Book?

    For most projects, approximately 100 pages can be handled in a day. Generally, more than one project is in house at any one time, so you should assume approximately 50 pages are actually being processed, without rush status.

  • Are Rush Projects More Expensive? What Makes a Project Rush?

    Yes, but this depends on how fast an index is needed. Regular clients are often accommodated if possible. A rush project would be a project that requires work on more than 100 pages a day or that falls over a weekend or holiday period.

  • How Early Should I Schedule a Project?

    It is helpful if you let the indexer know the projected schedule as soon as you know it. However, projects are always slipping, so scheduling at the last minute is also possible.

  • How Do I Decide Between Indented and Run-on Style?

    An indented style is much easier for the reader to use in finding the information they are seeking. The only advantage offered by a run-on style is that it does save space.

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