Making an index for a non-fiction book: entries, cross-references and the Index page

Non-fiction books often have an index at the back. In Pendrilo, you list the entries you want. Pendrilo then finds every place in the book that names each entry and builds the index pages. In print, the index shows page numbers. In the ebook, each entry links to its places in the text. The index updates itself as the book changes, so you don't need to rebuild it after each edit.

Adding entries

To open the index, choose Book → Index….

1. Type a name or subject the way you want the index to show it, then click Add Entry.
2. Repeat for each entry you want.
3. When the list is ready, click Put the Index in the Book. This adds an Index page after your back matter.

You can also add an entry from the text. In the editor, select a word or name, then choose More → Add to Index.

In Studio, Add Codex Names adds an entry for every character, place, group and item in your codex. This saves time if your book names many people or places.

Making entries easy to find

A few habits make the index easier to use:

Put surnames first. Type "Halsey, Ruth". Pendrilo also finds the name written as "Ruth Halsey" in the text.
Group related entries under a heading. Put the heading first, then a colon, then the sub-entry: "Printing: offset".
Add other wordings with ALSO LOOK FOR. Type the other ways the text names the entry, separated by commas. Once you fill this in, Pendrilo looks only for the wordings you list there.
Add cross-references with SEE. Use it to send a reader to another entry, for example "Presses. See printing press".

Suggesting entries from your text

If you're not sure what to index, click Suggest Entries. It lists names and phrases that the book uses three times or more. Click any suggestion to add it to your list. You can still type your own entries as well.

Checking the index

Pendrilo's Checks lists any index entry it can't find anywhere in the book. Usually this means a spelling difference, a missing wording, or a subject you've removed from the text. Fix the entry, or add the other wording under ALSO LOOK FOR.

To see where an entry appears, click Show the Page on the Index page. It takes you to that page.

Text you type on the Index page appears above the entries. Use it for an introduction, such as a note on how to use the index.

Once the index is in the book

The Index page is part of your book, so it's included when you choose Generate Book. The finished print PDF shows page numbers next to each entry. The ebook has links from each entry to its places in the text.

If you change the text, the index follows. Run Checks again after big edits to make sure no entries have been left behind.