Book indexing costs depend on the amount of material to review and the editorial work required to organize it. Page count is a convenient starting point, but a lightly illustrated business book and a dense scholarly text can require very different effort per page.
A useful quote defines the indexable material, the expected index and the final source version. Without those definitions, apparently similar page rates may describe quite different projects.
Define what the package covers
COLONFILM's general nonfiction packages are $550 for up to 100 indexable pages, $1,050 for up to 200 and $1,550 for up to 300. The brief identifies which pages are included and confirms that the density and subject fit the package.
For example, a 240-page book may contain preliminary material and a bibliography that need different indexing decisions from the main chapters. Do not assume every PDF page is counted or excluded automatically; agree the rule before work begins.
Compare page rates carefully
The Editorial Freelancers Association's rate chart lists book indexing at $5.00–$6.25 per page and identifies its page basis as 250 words. That is a reference point, not a mandatory tariff or a direct equivalent of every designed print page.
When comparing a normalized page rate with a fixed package for a paginated book, consider text density and the actual scope. A large-format reference page can contain much more material than a sparse trade-book page.
Specify the index you need
Agree whether the deliverable is one general index or several separate indexes. Set the house style, target length and available page budget. If the publisher has an example of a preferred index, include it in the brief.
Also distinguish the editorial index from typesetting or embedding work. An editable list prepared for placement into the book is a different deliverable from a fully typeset index or a linked ebook implementation.
Account for specialist material
Technical vocabulary, dense argument and unfamiliar subject matter can increase the review needed. Send a representative chapter, including difficult sections, so subject suitability can be assessed before the project is accepted.
The aim is useful selection. An index that merely repeats every name or keyword may become long without becoming helpful. Grouping concepts and distinguishing substantive discussion from incidental mention are editorial tasks.
Keep pagination stable
For a page-based index, work from the final paginated PDF. If the book is repaginated, locators need review. That can affect many entries even when the underlying text changes only slightly.
Supply the final file, page count, subject, style requirements and deadline when requesting a quote. A defined source and deliverable make it easier to choose the right package and avoid paying for avoidable rework near publication.
Send your source material for a written quote confirming the supported scope, final price and delivery schedule.
Explore Book Indexing Services for the scope and enquiry details. Continue reading: Book Index vs Table of Contents: What Each Helps Readers Do.