When you start working on your index, you may want to use printed proof pages, or work directly from the computer screen. A searchable PDF will help you find the words you're indexing without disturbing the text. Typically, if you index from a hard copy you'll have to transfer your work to a digital file. If the work is particularly long, try to work straight from the computer so you can skip this extra step. Generally speaking, you'll want to index the entire text of your work, including the introduction and any footnotes or endnotes that expand on the content of the text. Typically, indexed items are nouns, like ideas, concepts, and things, that contribute to the subject of the text. If footnotes or endnotes are merely source citations, they don't need to be included in the index. Generally, you don't need to index glossaries, bibliographies, acknowledgements, or illustrative items such as charts and graphs. If you're not sure whether something should be indexed, ask yourself if it contributes something substantial to the text. If it doesn't, it typically doesn't need to be indexed. Some publishers may require you to index any authors cited, either in text or footnotes. This may require a separate index, or they may be included in your general index. Check with your advisor or editor if you're not sure. In most cases, if you have a "works cited" section appearing at the end of your text you won't need to index authors. You would still include their names in the general index, however, if you discussed them in the text rather than simply citing their work. As you read through your work, make a list of the keywords or main concepts discussed in the text. Many of these you may already know off the top of your head. Creating an index card for each individual entry can help you sort and organize the entries before typing them up. For example, if you're writing a book on bicycle maintenance, you might have index cards for "gears," "wheels," and "chain." Put yourself in your reader's shoes, and ask yourself why they would pick up your book and what information they would likely be looking for. Chapter or section headings can help guide you as well. Nouns referring to people, places, objects, or concepts are the most common nouns indexed. Typically the noun you use will be singular, and will not include any adjectives or phrases. For example, a dessert cookbook that included several types of ice cream might have one entry for "ice cream," followed by subentries for "strawberry," "chocolate," and "vanilla." Treat proper nouns as a single unit. For example, "United States Senate" and "United States House of Representatives" would be separate entries, rather than subentries under the entry "United States." Unless you're working with an extremely long text, a keyword or concept that occurs on more than five pages typically can be broken into smaller parts. Stick to nouns and brief phrases for subentries, avoiding any unnecessary words. For example, suppose you are writing a book about comic books that discusses Wonder Woman's influence on the feminist movement. You might include a subentry under "Wonder Woman" that says "influence on feminism." If you have entries that are similar to each other, you may want to use cross references in your index to link the similar entries. That way your readers will be able to dig further into similar information. For example, if you were writing a dessert cookbook, you might have entries for "ice cream" and "sorbet." Since these frozen treats are similar, they would make good cross references of each other.
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One-sentence summary -- Choose your indexing source. Decide what needs to be indexed. List cited authors if necessary. Create index cards for entries if you're indexing by hand. Use nouns for the main headings of entries. Include subentries for entries with 5 or more pointers. Identify potential cross references.

By getting to the point and clearly identifying your purpose, you present a professional image that will be taken seriously by the reader. This also increases the likelihood your email will be read and responded to promptly, as people put off dealing with overly wordy responses. After identifying yourself and your company, your next sentence should explain the email's purpose. It's best to state your case within two sentences. Be positive. Even if you're writing to address a complaint or concern, be courteous and respectful throughout the email. Do not bad mouth bosses, other companies, or employees as this reflects poorly on you. While in cover letters, it's standard to include some basic background information about yourself if you're emailing on behalf of a company leave that information out. Simply state your name and your position in the company before moving on to the email's purpose. A business email should be as easy to read as possible. This means using clear language that is easy to understand. Choose the active voice over the passive voice. For example, do not say, "A memo was sent to you by my boss, James Peterson." Instead say, "My boss, James Peterson, sent you a memo." Avoid jargon and technical terms, even if such terms are used heavily in your company. Opt for simple English and common phrases. Use short sentences. Eliminate conjunctions when possible and break up long sentences. For example, "We did not hear back from you in regards to the memo and wanted to follow up to make sure you understood the information." This would be better stated as, "We did not hear back from you in regards to the memo. We wanted to follow to make sure you understood the information." Use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Spell check and proofread all emails before hitting the send button. There are certain rules of etiquette in regards to what should be transmitted via email. Understand what to avoid sending before contacting someone. Attachments are okay if you're emailing regarding information that was specifically requested, but do not send attachments to strangers without prompting. Avoid overly large attachments and files. In the event sending such information is necessary, send an email beforehand giving the recipient a head's up. Do not use an overly long signature. Ideally, your signature should only include your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number. If you want, it's also appropriate to include your job title. Do not include graphics or backgrounds. They tend to clog up email memory and come off as unprofessional in a business setting.
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One-sentence summary --
Keep it short and to the point. Use simple, direct prose. Know what to avoid sending.