Do not list the same main entry more than once, but rather list subentries as needed. Incorrect alphabetization is one of the most common errors in indexes not prepared by professional indexers. Alphabetization lphabetize entries letter by letter up to the first punctuation. Spaces and hyphens between words are ignored. If there are two entries for persons with the same last name, alphabetize them according to the first names.
Initials take precedence over spelled-out first names.
When alphabetizing subentries, disregard introductory articles, prepositions, and conjunctions. Numerical entries may be alphabetized as though they were spelled out when there are only a few such entries. If there are many, they may be listed before the As and should be in ascending numerical order. Leave one extra line space between principal entries that begin with different letters. Cross-references are one of the most useful aspects of an index to the reader.