
In Progress
Posted
Paid on delivery
I need someone to verify and complete a back-of-book index for a non-fiction book. The index word list already exists (about 1,100 entries, including plural and possessive variants). Your job is to search the full text and confirm the correct page number(s) for every word. Scope: Source: a 278-page PDF (editable, not scanned) Index range: page xii (Preface) through page 256 (Glossary) Word list: provided as a Word document, already includes plurals and possessive forms You must find every page number for every word using a whole word search, not partial matches Many words contain hyphens, forward slashes, apostrophes, or are followed by asterisks in the text. These must not break the search or cause missed matches Any word genuinely not present in the text should be flagged in a separate list, not silently dropped Final output: the index list with accurate page numbers, formatted with proper spacing around page number commas, delivered as a PDF Why this matters: Two previous indexers failed this task because their search missed words with special characters or asterisks attached. Accuracy is the entire point of this job. If you cannot guarantee a thorough whole-word search across the full document, please do not bid. Deliverables: Completed index with page numbers, formatted per instructions Separate list of any index words not found in the source text Files/scripts used, so the process can be reused for future book updates Timeline: 5 to 7 days from file handoff Budget: Fixed price, paid via milestone/escrow Ideal skills: Attention to detail, experience with PDF text search or Python-based text processing (regex, PyMuPDF, or similar), prior indexing or proofreading work is a plus
Project ID: 40669738
42 proposals
Remote project
Active 2 days ago
Set your budget and timeframe
Get paid for your work
Outline your proposal
It's free to sign up and bid on jobs
42 freelancers are bidding on average $34 USD for this job

Hi there, Myself suganya, hope you are doing good. clear with the instruction and i will carefully verify all 1,100 entries against 278-Page PDFusing strict whole-word searches. i will deliver the output format as per requirement. Ready to do sample. waiting for your message. Thanks
$40 USD in 7 days
5.9
5.9

Hello, I understand that accuracy is the critical requirement here, especially because previous attempts missed words containing hyphens, slashes, apostrophes, and attached asterisks. I can bring a careful, systematic approach to verifying every index entry and clearly flagging words that genuinely do not appear. My most relevant experience is a 3,500-PDF keyword search and data-capture project completed with 100% accuracy. This directly demonstrates my ability to work through large PDF documents, search for specific terms, capture the required information, and maintain accuracy throughout a repetitive verification task. I also have strong experience in data entry, PDF processing, data management, Excel, Microsoft Word, and content verification. I understand the importance of checking each result rather than silently omitting unmatched terms. For your 1,100-entry index, I would carefully verify the provided word list against the specified PDF range, record all applicable page numbers, identify genuinely missing terms separately, and follow your required formatting for the final index. I’m available to complete the work within your 5–7 day timeline and would be happy to complete a sample or test to demonstrate my accuracy. Please reach out so we can discuss the file handoff and get started. Best regards, Justine
$35 USD in 7 days
5.5
5.5

Hello, I’d be a strong fit for this project. I’ve handled PDF text extraction, indexing, proofreading, Python-based text processing, and large-scale document searches before, and I understand that accuracy is the most important requirement here. I can use Python with PyMuPDF/regex to systematically search the full document from page xii through page 256, while correctly handling: * Whole-word matching rather than partial matches. * Hyphens, slashes, apostrophes, and possessives. * Words with attached asterisks or other punctuation. * Multiple occurrences across different pages. * Words that genuinely do not appear, which will be listed separately. * Consistent page-number formatting and spacing. I would use an automated search as the first pass, followed by validation checks to catch edge cases that could cause missed results. I can also provide the scripts used, making the workflow reusable for future editions or updates. Deliverables: * Completed index with accurate page numbers in PDF. * Separate list of terms not found. * Reusable Python/search scripts. * Quality-control verification of the final results. I’m comfortable with the 5–7 day timeline and can work within the fixed-price milestone structure. I’m ready to start immediately and would be happy to demonstrate the search approach on a small sample before processing the complete book. Best regards.
$50 USD in 7 days
5.2
5.2

Bid Proposal I can complete this accurately using Python/PyMuPDF with robust regex-based whole-word matching, including hyphens, slashes, apostrophes, possessives, plurals, and attached asterisks. I’ll verify all 1,100 entries across pages xii–256, flag genuinely missing terms separately, and deliver a properly formatted PDF index plus the reusable scripts. I understand accuracy is the priority and can complete it within 5–7 days.
$30 USD in 2 days
4.9
4.9

Hi, I’d be glad to help with your Back-of-Book Index Verification project. I understand the key challenge is accurately matching all ~1,100 index terms, including whole-word matches, plurals, possessives, hyphens, slashes, apostrophes, and asterisks. I’ll use Python-based PDF/text processing to efficiently identify candidate page numbers, followed by careful manual QA for edge cases and missed matches. I’ll also provide the scripts/files used so the process can be reused for future book updates. I won’t rely blindly on automation—I’ll prioritize accuracy and verification. I can start immediately and deliver within your 5–7 day timeline.
$25 USD in 7 days
4.2
4.2

Hi, I can help verify and complete your book index with a strict whole-word search across the entire PDF. I understand the challenges with hyphens, apostrophes, slashes, and asterisk-attached terms, and I'll make sure no valid matches are missed. Any terms not found will be documented in a separate report rather than being omitted. I'll also provide the final indexed PDF along with the search method and reusable scripts used for verification.
$28 USD in 7 days
3.5
3.5

Hello, I read the whole brief, including the part about two previous indexers failing on words with special characters and asterisks. That is the actual job here, so I tested it before writing this rather than after. I ran the exact method on a 278-page-class document today: a 324-page PDF, extracted with pdftotext in layout mode, split into pages on the form feed marker (324 pages parsed, 324 pages in the file, so no page drift), then whole-word matched with a boundary rule. Two things came out of that test that I think are what broke the previous attempts: 1. Trailing asterisks and slashes. A naive word boundary treats a hyphen as part of the word, so "anti-lock" sitting next to "/ESP" silently misses. I fixed the boundary to letters and digits only, which makes hyphen, slash, apostrophe and asterisk all act as separators. Verified: "brake" matches inside "brake*", "anti-lock" matches inside "anti-lock/ESP", and "rake" correctly does NOT match inside "brake*". 2. Apostrophe shape. Word lists are typed with the straight apostrophe, but typeset PDFs almost always carry the curly one. In my test, the entry typed with a straight apostrophe scored zero pages against a PDF whose text used the curly one, on a word that appears on ten pages. Silent, and it looks exactly like the word not being in the book. I normalise both sides before matching, so the two forms are treated as the same character. I also checked singular against plural on live text: "tyre" returned 35 pages and "tyres" returned 15 pages, correctly separated. Since your list already includes plurals and possessives as their own entries, that separation has to hold. What you get: Completed index with page numbers for all ~1,100 entries, formatted with proper spacing around the page-number commas, delivered as PDF. Best option because it is the deliverable you asked for and needs no interpretation on your side. A separate flagged list of every entry not found in the text, with nothing silently dropped. Best option because a missing word is usually a spelling or hyphenation difference rather than a genuine absence, and you can decide which it is. The scripts and the extracted per-page text, so the whole thing reruns in minutes when the book is revised or repaginated. Best option because it scales to a second edition without paying for the work twice. What I need from you to start: the 278-page editable PDF and the Word word list. Nothing else, no accounts or logins. The clock starts when those arrive, not on award. Free before you award: send me the PDF and any 30 words from your list, including the ugliest ones with slashes, asterisks or apostrophes. I will return those 30 with page numbers so you can check them against the book yourself. If the numbers are wrong you have lost nothing. Being straight with you: I have three completed deliveries on this platform and none of them is a book index, so I am not going to claim indexing credits I do not have. What I do have is the measured test above, and the sample offer exists so you can judge the output instead of the claim. Three questions: 1. Should a shorter entry match inside a longer hyphenated one? For example, should "lock" pick up the page where only "anti-lock" appears? My default is no. 2. The range is page xii through 256. Are those the printed page numbers on the page, or the PDF sheet positions? If they differ I will map to the printed numbers. 3. For an entry appearing many times on one page, one page number per page, or do you want a count? Suggested milestone breakdown (total 20 USD, 5 days from file handoff): M1 20 percent, 4 USD: extraction verified, page mapping confirmed against your printed numbers, first 100 entries delivered M2 40 percent, 8 USD: full index with page numbers plus the not-found list M3 40 percent, 8 USD: formatting pass, scripts handed over, any corrections Fund M1 to start, release when happy, then fund the next. Standard escrow, protects both of us. Why me: I am a process engineer by profession, so precision work over long documents is what I do every day, and I tested this specific job on a real 324-page PDF before bidding instead of promising it. Two indexers already failed on the special-character cases, so I went and found those cases myself first. Ready to begin the moment you award and fund M1. Amr
$20 USD in 5 days
3.7
3.7

Hi, I can verify and complete the back-of-book index for your 278-page editable PDF with careful whole-word matching and special-character handling. My approach will be to use a controlled search process, preferably Python with PyMuPDF/regex, plus manual spot checks to ensure words with hyphens, slashes, apostrophes, possessives, plurals, and attached asterisks are not missed. I can help with: * Whole-word PDF text search * Index word verification * Python regex/PyMuPDF processing * Special character handling * Page number extraction * Not-found word tracking * Proofreading and formatting * Reusable script delivery Deliverables: * Completed index with accurate page numbers * Proper comma spacing and formatting * Separate list of words not found * Files/scripts used for the search * Final PDF output * Review-ready working notes if needed Timeline: 5–7 days after receiving the PDF and word list. I’ll focus on accuracy, repeatability, and avoiding the common missed-match issues caused by punctuation, asterisks, or partial-word searches. Best regards Ankit
$50 USD in 1 day
3.7
3.7

Two indexers failed this before you, and I can tell you exactly why — it's the same three reasons every time, and none of them are about carelessness. 1. Word boundaries break on punctuation. A regex \b boundary treats hyphens and apostrophes as separators, so "risk-based" and "company's" silently fail to match. Worse, most PDFs store curly apostrophes (’) rather than straight ones ('), so a search typed with a straight quote finds nothing at all. 2. PDFs hyphenate across line breaks. A word split as "compli-" / "ance" at a line ending is two separate strings in the extracted text. Any straight search misses it — and it will be missing on exactly the pages where the word appears mid-paragraph. 3. Ligatures. PDF text layers frequently store fi, fl, ffi as single characters. So "efficient" and "final" are quietly unfindable unless the text is normalised first. My approach: extract the text layer with PyMuPDF, normalise it (Unicode NFKC to expand ligatures, quote characters unified, line-break hyphenation rejoined), then run each of your ~1,100 terms through a Unicode-aware whole-word matcher that treats trailing asterisks and attached punctuation as boundaries rather than part of the word. Every term gets every page it appears on. Anything genuinely absent goes to the separate not-found list, never silently dropped. Because it's a script and not manual reading, I can also do something the previous attempts couldn't: run it twice with different matching strictness and diff the results. Any word whose page list changes between the two runs gets flagged for my manual review. That catches the ambiguous cases instead of hoping none exist. You get: the completed index formatted as specified (PDF), the separate not-found list, and the script itself with a short README — so when the book is revised, you rerun it in a minute instead of hiring a fourth indexer. I can deliver in 2 days rather than 5-7. Send the PDF and word list whenever you're ready. Best, Robert
$40 USD in 3 days
3.4
3.4

Hi, I can handle this indexing task with a systematic Python/PyMuPDF-based search rather than relying on basic PDF search. I’ll account for whole-word matching, hyphens, slashes, apostrophes, asterisks, plurals, and possessives, and verify every entry across the specified pages. I’ll provide the completed index PDF, a separate list of terms not found, and the scripts/files used so the process can be repeated for future editions. Can you share the PDF and the Word index list so I can test the search method on the actual files and confirm the 5–7-day timeline and fixed price? Best regards, Ahad
$20 USD in 3 days
3.0
3.0

Hi-Abror Here From Uzbekistan. "Accurate PDF Index Verification" - I can verify your index using Python text extraction and whole-word matching with special-character handling. I can process the PDF, match all 1,100 entries accurately using regex and PyMuPDF techniques while checking hyphens, apostrophes, and variants to ensure complete coverage. I will deliver the finalized index PDF with missing terms report and reusable scripts after thorough validation across every page range provided by your files. Can you share the PDF and Word index files to begin? Looking forward to working with you.
$30 USD in 7 days
3.1
3.1

Hello, I can handle this with a scripted search plus manual verification, which is the safest approach for a 1,100-entry index where special characters cannot be missed. I would use Python with PyMuPDF and carefully escaped regular expressions to search the full PDF from Preface through Glossary. Each term will be checked as a true whole-word match while correctly handling hyphens, slashes, apostrophes, plurals, possessives, and words followed by asterisks. I will also map every hit to the correct printed page number, not just the PDF page index. After the automated pass, I will manually verify edge cases and run a second comparison to catch missed or false matches. Any term not found will be listed separately rather than removed. You will receive the completed index with correctly formatted page numbers, a separate not-found list, the final PDF, and the reusable Python script/process. I can complete the full 278-page document within 5 to 7 days after receiving the PDF and Word index list.
$20 USD in 7 days
3.1
3.1

Hi, I will ensure the flawless accuracy you need by using advanced text-processing software and strict search protocols specifically designed to handle complex word boundaries, hyphens, slashes, and attached asterisks, followed by a meticulous manual double-check to maximize results. Unlike previous indexers who missed hidden edge cases, I will systematically scan your 278-page PDF to map every single one of your 1,100 entries, flag missing words in a separate document, and deliver a perfectly formatted final PDF. I will complete this within your 5–7 day timeline.
$40 USD in 7 days
2.7
2.7

Hello, I can handle this with a script-based approach rather than relying on manual PDF searching, which is especially important for the hyphens, slashes, apostrophes, possessives, and asterisks you mentioned. I’ll process the full 278-page PDF using Python/PyMuPDF and carefully match all ~1,100 index entries using whole-word logic. I’ll account for special characters and formatting variations so valid matches aren’t missed. Every entry will be checked across the specified page range, and anything genuinely not found will be placed in a separate list. I’ll then produce the completed index as a clean PDF with the requested page-number formatting and provide the scripts/files used so the process can be repeated for future editions or updates. Accuracy is the main priority here, so I’ll also run validation checks before delivery rather than assuming the first search results are correct.
$30 USD in 2 days
2.4
2.4

Hi, I can carefully verify your 1,100+ index entries against the complete 278-page PDF and ensure every entry has the correct page number. What I will cover: 1. Search and verify every index term across the full PDF 2. Carefully handle hyphens, slashes, apostrophes, asterisks, plurals, and possessive forms 3. Flag any terms that genuinely do not appear and provide the final index with accurate page numbers and proper formatting I understand that accuracy is the main priority for this project and will make sure no entries are missed. Ready to get started within your timeline. Best regards, Anirban
$20 USD in 5 days
2.1
2.1

Hi, I can deliver 100% accurate index page matching for your 278-page PDF using a custom Python PyMuPDF script with advanced regular expressions. Here is how I will guarantee zero missed matches: - Exact Regex & Special Character Handling: My Python script uses precise word boundaries (`\b`) and regex escaping to catch every target word, even when attached to hyphens, slashes, apostrophes, or trailing asterisks (`*`). - Complete Coverage: Scans strictly from Page xii through Page 256, verifying all ~1,100 entries including plurals and possessive variants without partial-match false positives. - Comprehensive Deliverables: You will receive the completed PDF index with properly formatted page commas, a separate list of unfound words, and the fully documented Python script for future book updates. Because I handle this programmatically rather than manually searching in Adobe Reader, I can guarantee 100% precision with zero dropped terms. Ready to start as soon as files are provided! Best regards, Muhammad Mueez
$40 USD in 4 days
2.2
2.2

You need a reproducible index-verification process that handles punctuation and page numbering correctly, not another basic PDF search that silently misses valid entries. I’ll use Python with PyMuPDF to extract text page by rve the PDF-to-printed-page mapping from Preface through Glossary, and normalise Unicode apostrophes, hyphens, whitespace, ligatures, slashes, and attached asterisks before matching. Each term and its plural or possessive variant will use escaped, boundary-aware regex rules designed for whole expressions rather than Python’s simplistic `\b` behaviour. I’ll retain every matching page once, sort page references correctly, and flag genuinely unmatched entries in a separate report. Automated results will be validated through sampling and targeted manual checks for punctuation-heavy terms, page transitions, repeated entries, and extraction anomalies. The final index will preserve the requested formatting, including comma spacing, and be delivered as a polished PDF alongside the editable source, not-found list, reusable script, and concise instructions. Please share a few difficult sample terms and confirm whether index page numbers must follow printed book numbers rather than physical PDF page positions.
$100 USD in 3 days
2.3
2.3

Hello, I can complete your back-of-book index accurately using a Python-based, page-by-page verification workflow. I understand that the main challenge is not simply searching the PDF, but correctly handling whole-word matches involving hyphens, slashes, apostrophes, possessives, plurals, and trailing asterisks. My approach will be: • Extract the editable PDF page-by-page using PyMuPDF • Read and preserve all ~1,100 index entries from the Word document • Use robust whole-word/regex matching rather than ordinary Ctrl+F searching • Handle special characters and literal asterisks safely • Record every applicable printed page number from xii through 256 • Separately identify and verify genuinely missing terms • Perform an additional QA check of special-character and Not Found entries • Deliver the completed, consistently formatted index as PDF • Provide the Python scripts and supporting files so the process can be reused for future book updates I can complete the project within 7 days. I will prioritize accuracy, consistency, and reproducibility, with manual verification of the areas most likely to cause missed results. I am ready to start as soon as you provide the PDF and Word index. Thank you.
$30 USD in 7 days
1.1
1.1

With a sharp attention to detail, proven experience in data entry, particularly working with PDF and Word documents, my skills are precisely what you need for your project. I have a meticulous approach to my work thanks to my background in academic editing and proofreading where accuracy and clarity were paramount. This coupled with my thoroughness in 3D design, where even the slightest error can be glaring, will ensure no word is overlooked or mistyped. Moreover, I have significant experience employing Python-based text processing techniques such as regex. This familiarity facilitates comprehensive searches, essential for this task as it has proven to be an issue with previous indexers. My savvy in using software like PyMuPDF will allow for seamless handling and search of the PDF file. Finally, something that sets me apart is not only can I complete the job effectively and efficiently, but I can also provide you with a reusable process going forward. By sharing the files/scripts used for the indexing, any future updates can be handled easily, saving time and effort. Don't look any further for your Back-of-Book Index Verification project. Choose me for high-quality service, timely delivery, and a cost-effective budget solution that doesn't compromise your needs for your non-fiction book!
$40 USD in 4 days
0.5
0.5

Hello, We would be happy to support you with your virtual assistant requirements. Protovo Solutions LLP has been working with global clients since 2016 and has earned more than 100 reviews on Freelancer. We provide dependable remote support for businesses, entrepreneurs, and busy professionals. Our team can assist with: • Data entry and database management • Web research and information collection • Excel, Google Sheets, and document formatting • Email, calendar, and administrative support • CRM updates and lead management • Product listing and e-commerce support • Social media assistance • Customer support and follow-ups • File organization and PDF conversion • Repetitive task automation using AI tools We follow instructions carefully, maintain confidentiality, communicate regularly, and review the work before submission. We can support one-time assignments as well as ongoing daily, weekly, or monthly requirements. Please connect with us through chat. We can review your requirements, working hours, and preferred tools before getting started. Kind regards, Protovo Solutions LLP
$30 USD in 7 days
0.6
0.6

Delhi, India
Payment method verified
Member since Nov 29, 2023
$600-1200 USD
$30-250 USD
₹12500-37500 INR
₹1500-12500 INR
$10-30 USD
$30-250 USD
$30-250 AUD
₹150-300 INR / hour
₹12500-37500 INR
min $50 USD / hour
€250-750 EUR
₹750-1250 INR / hour
$30-250 USD
₹12500-37500 INR
₹600-1500 INR
₹1500-12500 INR
₹750-1250 INR / hour
₹600-1000 INR
$250-750 CAD
$250-750 USD
$15-25 USD / hour
min $50 USD / hour
$15-25 USD / hour
₹750-1250 INR / hour
₹100-400 INR / hour