Amethyst Harbor, Inc

Amethyst Harbor, Inc.

indexing for general and ethnic cookbooks

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.

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 of Indexers 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.

Sample Indexes

Click on the links below to see some unpublished samples of the kind of work that I do.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

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

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.

Contact Information

Contact me about indexing your next culinary 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 of Indexers