A table of contents helps readers understand the book's sequence. An index helps them find a topic that may appear in several parts of that sequence. For nonfiction, both can be useful because readers return to a book with questions that do not necessarily match its chapter titles.
Think of a business book with separate chapters on hiring, management and retention. A reader interested in remote work may need material from all three. The contents page shows the chapters; the index can connect that topic across them.
Follow the structure or follow the concept
A contents page generally reflects the author's planned route through the material. It is useful for an initial overview and for moving to a known section.
An index offers alternative entry points. It can bring together related terminology, identify a substantial discussion and divide a broad topic into meaningful subentries. That editorial work helps a returning reader narrow the search.
Go beyond matching a word
A text search finds a term where it appears. An index can connect the reader's vocabulary with the author's vocabulary and include discussion of a concept even when the exact search word is absent.
For example, a book might discuss employees working from home under several headings. A useful index could choose one main term and provide a cross-reference from a common alternative. The decision should reflect the book and its readers rather than an automatic synonym list.
Make broad entries manageable
An entry followed by a long undifferentiated string of page numbers can be difficult to use. Subentries can separate aspects of the topic, such as hiring, equipment or team communication, when the text supports those distinctions.
Cross-references should also have a purpose. A “see” reference directs a reader to the chosen entry; a “see also” reference points toward related material. Check that every destination exists and that the reference actually helps the reader continue.
Distinguish discussion from passing mention
Not every occurrence deserves a locator. A person named once in a long list may be less useful to index than a short but substantive discussion of their work. The appropriate decision depends on the book's subject and indexing brief.
Review entries in context and test whether the referenced pages answer the question implied by the entry. This is why the final index needs editorial review rather than being treated as a direct export of search results.
Plan the index before the final deadline
Reserve space and agree a house style while the book is being designed. For the page-based indexing stage, provide the final paginated PDF so the locators can be checked against stable pages.
COLONFILM's indexing packages start at $550 for up to 100 indexable pages. The service produces an editable editorial index, with typesetting or linked ebook implementation specified separately. Planning those responsibilities early helps the index become a considered part of the publication rather than a last-minute attachment.
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