Amethyst Harbor, Inc

Amethyst Harbor, Inc.

indexing for cookbooks, trade books, and textbooks

About Indexing

Writing an index is an art. It takes more than just technical know-how to craft an index that is logical and helpful, and at the same time is written appropriately for the intended audience.

It’s usually best when authors don’t index their own work. While they obviously know the book’s material very well, an index is written specifically for readers who may use different techniques to locate the information they need. Professional indexers understand the ways readers search for material, and how best to manage and categorize subtopics.

A well-written, useful index is an easy way to get more readers and sell more books. Cookbooks rely on good indexes perhaps more than any other non-scholarly publication. If a reader can’t locate a recipe or a specific ingredient, the book will be put back on the shelf.

Meet Amy Hall

In between earning my BS from San Jose State University's College of Journalism and Mass Communications and completing the USDA's Basic Indexing course with Kari Kells of Index West, I spent several years as an Editor. I understand the importance of careful work and meeting deadlines. I am also a member of the American Society for Indexing and the Culinary Indexing Special Interest Group.

As the President of Amethyst Harbor, Inc., I will be creating your index myself. I don't use subcontractors. You will deal directly with me, from the initial review of your manuscript, until the project's completion.

Indexing Subject Specialties

Food and Beverage

Culinary Arts

Nutrition and Diet

Arts and Crafts/Hobbies

Social Psychology

Rare Diseases

Criminal Justice

Children

Communications

Hospitality Management

Sample Indexes

Click on the links below to see some samples of the kind of work that I do. These indexes were created with CINDEX professional indexing software.

Manners by Kate Spade

The Perfect Wedding Details: More than 100 Ideas for Personalizing Your Wedding by Maria McBride-Mellinger

Everyday Italian: 125 Simple and Delicious Recipes by Giada de Laurentiis

kosher by design—Kids in the Kitchen by Susie Fishbein

Pillsbury Doughboy Family Pleasing Recipes by The Pillsbury Company

Scapegoat: The Chino Hills Murders and the Framing of Kevin Cooper by J. Patrick O’Connor

Rates

I typically charge by the page. I will be happy to provide you with a firm bid after receiving a sample of the work to be indexed along with a page count.

Indexing occurs as one of the final steps in the publication process. Only when the final page proofs are ready can the indexing process begin. This ensures that there will not be any other changes to the text, and that the page numbers are accurate.

Client Testimonials

“Amy, to be frank I don’t know much about indexing except that it helps the reader find what he is looking for. I have just gone through your indexing of the [book] and I must say, W-O-W, it certainly looks impressive. Congrats on a job well done. There’s no doubt in my mind that you raise the standards of that book! Congratulations and many thanks.”—J.G.

“Amy—it was fantastic working with you. The index looks great and you made some critical catches. So happy to have found you.”—M.F.

“Terrific! Thanks again for working with us on this—I know it could not have been easy! Thanks for your hard work and your flexibility.”—N.C.

“Thank you so much for doing the indexing for me. I really appreciate your cooperation and professionalism throughout the process. It was a pleasure to work with you.”—J.P.O.

“Wow you are fast.”—P.P.

Other Services

In addition to indexing, I can also provide editing and proofreading expertise. Editing and proofreading are charged by the hour.

Contact Information

Contact me about working with you on your next publication at amy.hall@amethystharbor.com. I will be glad to review your project and provide you with a bid in a timely fashion.

Member, American Society for Indexing