Index Conversion FAQs

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If you can't find your answer here, please feel free to drop me a note with your question.  I'll be glad to help!  maria@sullivanindex.com

How quickly can you turn my index around?
I can convert most indexes in 3 to 4 business days or less.  Factors that may affect this include the size and condition of your index, and the number of other jobs I have in-house.  Please be sure to alert me if you are running on a tight deadline.

I'm panicked!!  Can you do the conversion more quickly?
Yes!  I usually can do a moderate sized index for the next day. Please remember that I am an indexer too, and may have a deadline of my own.  Plus, there may be times where I just can't humanly do it that quickly. In any event, I understand that you have had an emergency request from your editor and I will be willing to work with you on scheduling.  Contact me with questions.

For purposes of pricing, what constitutes an "entry" ?
An entry is every line that ends with a locator (including cross-references).  Each entry can have multiple locators. 

What kinds of files will you convert?
Tell me what you've got!  Most conversions are from .doc, .rtf, .docx, .pdf, .wpd, .txt, .htm; but I should be able to work with any file that contains text.  I can even handle text that's in printed form, but there may be a small extra charge.

Will you charge extra to include styled text?

No! Of course not! If your index has normal stylized text (italics, bold, special characters, etc.) —that is what I will deliver to you.  Your file will include the complete structure hierarchy (no flush left subheadings!).  If your index contains extensive oddities, I will be in touch and explain what it may entail.

What kind of file will you send me?
Please just let me know what type of file you'd prefer or what indexing software you use.  I can produce files that are compatible with CINDEX, Sky, Macrex, Word, Excel, etc.. Tell me what you need.

What would require editing in an index file prior to conversion?
If there are structure inconsistencies (not all the levels of headings are handled in the same manner); if there are spacing problems; or if the index has a complicated structure (i.e. more than three levels of headings) then I may need to do some work on the file.  This is billed at $50/hour.  Honestly, in the years that I've been doing this, the number of indexes that have required more than an additional hour and a half have been few and far between.  I will let you know if I run into issues before I proceed.

How much experience do you have converting indexes?

I've been converting index data for use from one form to another since 1989.  I think I've seen it all, so don't hesitate to ask about your project.