2.6 KiB
2.6 KiB
Index Completeness Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure the book index is comprehensive, accurate, and helpful.
Coverage
- All key technical terms indexed
- All tools and frameworks mentioned are indexed
- All APIs, methods, and functions indexed
- All concepts and patterns indexed
- Important acronyms indexed
- Author names (if cited) indexed
Primary Entries
- Main topics have primary index entries
- Entry names match terminology used in text
- Consistent capitalization
- Alphabetically organized
- Page ranges used for extended discussions
Secondary Entries (Subentries)
- Complex topics broken into subentries
- Subentries properly nested under primary entries
- Subentries add value (not just repetition)
- No more than 2-3 levels of nesting
- Subentries alphabetized
Cross-References
- "See" references for alternate terms ("JWT: See JSON Web Tokens")
- "See also" for related topics
- Cross-references are bidirectional where appropriate
- Cross-references point to existing entries
- No circular references
Entry Quality
- Multiple access points for important concepts
- Specific entries, not just general categories
- Entries match reader's likely search terms
- Important page references are bolded (optional)
- Entries distinguish between brief mentions and main discussions
Technical Accuracy
- API/method names spelled correctly
- Technical terms use correct capitalization
- Acronyms expanded in parentheses if helpful
- Version-specific features noted if relevant
Formatting
- Consistent formatting throughout
- Page number format consistent
- Subentry indentation consistent
- Cross-reference format consistent
- Publisher guidelines followed
Completeness Tests
- Flip to random page - are main topics on that page indexed?
- Search for key terms - are they easy to find in index?
- Check complex topics - are there enough entry points?
- Review table of contents - are chapter topics well-indexed?
User Perspective
- Reader could find information quickly using index
- Common questions answered by index entries
- Important "how-to" tasks indexed
- Error messages or troubleshooting topics indexed
- No important topic requires >3 lookups to find
Maintenance
- Index updated after manuscript changes
- Page numbers verified in final proofs
- No broken cross-references
- No duplicate entries
- No orphaned subentries (subentry without primary)