How to Make an Index

This compact guide walks listeners through the art of creating a useful index, arguing that a well‑crafted list of terms is the true “soul” of a substantial work. Drawing on the author’s long career as an indexer, it blends scholarly anecdotes with a candid look at past misconceptions—especially the old belief that anyone could produce an index without training. The opening sections trace the evolution of indexing from early literary experiments to modern expectations, offering a brief but insightful history that sets the stage for practical instruction.

The second half shifts to hands‑on advice, laying out step‑by‑step methods for planning, selecting entries, and arranging them for maximum reader benefit. Along the way, the narrator warns against the pitfalls of the “bad indexer,” sharing rueful stories that illustrate common errors and how to avoid them. Listeners will come away with clear, actionable techniques that turn the seemingly tedious task of indexing into a disciplined, rewarding craft.