Complete guide to professional book indexing costs, pricing factors, and alternatives. Compare traditional indexer rates with modern AI solutions to make informed decisions.
95% cost savings with professional quality
Understanding the key factors that determine professional indexing prices
Most indexers charge per page or per indexable page
300-page business book: $900-1800
Technical, academic, and specialized content requires higher rates
200-page medical textbook: $1200-2400
Rush jobs and tight deadlines increase costs significantly
Standard $1200 job becomes $1500-1800 rush
Established professionals with specialization charge premium rates
Certified medical indexer: $8-12 per page
Professional indexing rates vary by region and local market conditions
American Society for Indexing (ASI)
Society of Indexers (SI)
Indexing Society of Canada
Australian and New Zealand Society of Indexers
See actual costs for different book types comparing professional indexers vs AI
Additional expenses that aren't always included in initial quotes
Most indexers include 1-2 revision rounds, additional changes cost extra
Can add 20-30% to total cost
Converting index to different formats (Word to InDesign, etc.)
Multiple formats multiply costs
Expedited timelines command significant premiums
Tight deadlines can double costs
Highly technical or specialized content requires expert indexers
Medical/legal texts often cost double
Back-and-forth discussions, clarifications, and project management
$100-500 in hidden time costs
How different approaches compare across key quality factors
Options for different budgets and project requirements
Simple, non-technical books with flexible timelines
Budget projects with clear specifications
Most books requiring professional-quality indexes quickly
Complex books needing both speed and expertise
Scenarios where professional indexers may be worth the premium cost
Medical, legal, or highly technical books requiring deep subject knowledge
Professional indexer with relevant expertise
Subject matter expertise and terminology crucial for accuracy
Publisher specifically requires human indexer or certified professional
Meet publisher specifications
Contractual obligations and industry standards
Cost is not a primary concern and timeline is flexible
Consider both options and choose based on other factors
Both can deliver high-quality results
Authors new to the publishing process wanting guidance
Professional indexer for mentorship and guidance
Educational value and publishing industry insight
Get professional-quality book indexes at a fraction of traditional costs. Try IndexStudio's AI-powered indexing with the same quality standards.
Free trial • $29-49 vs $1200-2400 • Same professional quality