MSI Press Blog

  September 02, 2025   It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side. This week we take a small step aside and focus on another narrow topic, one for authors of books that benefit from referencing.  If you're writing nonfiction, memoir, or any work where readers might reference themes, terms, or names, an index isn’t optional—it’s a strategic asset. But what does it cost, who creates it, and how do publishing models affect the process? 💰 What Does It Cost? Typical Rate:  $1,100–$1,500 for ~100,000 words Pricing Basis:  Usually charged per typeset page Timeline:  2–4 weeks for professional completion Rush/Complexity Fees:  Can push the rate higher 🛠️ Who Actua...

  Jack resting in a warm and comfy place Yesterday morning, one-eyed, super resilient Jack was sunning himself on the cat porch like a small, benevolent emperor. By evening, he had transformed into a tragic Victorian poet. His nose was damp, his energy low, and he retreated first into a comfy cat bed and then under the bed in the master bedroom to contemplate the fragility of life. Naturally, I assumed the worst. Naturally, he refused treats. Naturally, I began mentally drafting a eulogy. Cats have a gift for collapsing into existential despair at the first hint of a sniffle. Jack, usually a steady and unflappable soul, spent the entire day in one spot, staring into the middle distance like a cat who had seen too much. He purred when I checked on him, but only in the weary, world‑weary way of someone who wants gentle affection and absolutely no sudden movements. I considered steam therapy. I considered calling the vet. I considered whether eucalyptus tabs were safe (they are n...