Cheryl Lemmens - Indexing and Editorial Services

Book Indexing: Rates

The two most common ways of charging clients for book indexing work are a per-page rate and a per-entry rate. I prefer to charge a per-page rate, although I am amenable to discussing an hourly rate, or a fixed-rate fee (e.g., $1,500 for the completed index, regardless of the number of pages or entries).

Extra expenses (e.g., postage or courier service) are usually added to the total cost and itemized on the invoice, unless the client requests a different arrangement. An index sent as an attachment to e-mail is cost-free.

Indexing Rates
• Scholarly books: $5.00 to $6.00 (CDN) per page (plus 13% HST for Canadian clients)
• Trade books: $3.00 to $5.00 (CDN) per page (plus 13% HST for Canadian clients)
• Web site indexing: Please see the Web Site Indexing Rates page.

Proofreading and Indexing Notes
While reading the book, I make note of any typos, grammatical errors, or queries related to content and compile these in a table which is sent to the client. This is done at no additional charge. As well, I provide – if needed – a list of indexing notes explaining the construction of specific entries (e.g., the use of parenthetical references). Indexing usually follows the guidelines outlined in the Chicago Manual of Style, 14th ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1993).

U.S. Clients
Work done for U.S. clients is payable in U.S. dollars. I have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) which allows me to be paid in full by U.S. clients — i.e., without having part of my income withheld and paid to the Internal Revenue Service. The HST is not charged to U.S. clients.