The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Edition, which was recently published by the University of Chicago Press, remains the authoritative reference for indexers. Indexers consult the one chapter on Indexes in The Chicago Manual of Style for guidelines relating to kinds of indexes and components of an index, as well as general principles of indexing. Rules are given for main headings, subentries, locators, and cross-references. Details are given on formatting an index as run-in (subentries on one line) versus indented indexes (subentries on separate lines). The indexer can find rules and examples for proper names and variants. Additional information is given on alphabetizing, punctuation, and the mechanics of indexing. In future blog postings, I will examine these different aspects of indexing covered in The Chicago Manual of Style.
While only one chapter deals with indexes, the indexer will find that the rules given are illustrated with numerous indexing examples. Whether the indexer is referring to the print edition or the online edition of The Chicago Manual of Style, the indexing categories are clearly outlined, making the reference easy-to-use. It is an invaluable resource for the indexer and, indeed, anyone in the publishing world. In addition, the sixteenth edition offers expanded information on producing electronic publications, including web-based content and e-books.
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