How much did I make? — Tracking time and cost of indexing projects with a spreadsheet
Posted on: 09/07/2024
Tracking time and costs is crucial for freelance indexers aiming to maximise earnings and efficiency. In this blog post, Magda Wojcik introduces a comprehensive spreadsheet tool designed to help you accurately track your financials, streamline your workflow, and provide precise quotes for your services. The spreadsheet can be downloaded at the bottom of the screen.
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Indexing names: wrestling with the nobiliary particle
Posted on: 25/06/2024
Some names have that little bit extra, the nobiliary particle – a preposition or article in a name. The image above shows Alexandra, Freifrau von und zu Bodman, born Alexandra Offensandt von Berckholtz, who provides a good example of the form. How do indexers deal with names like this? Firstly, W. Stephen Gilbert sets out
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Passing Mentions
Posted on: 11/06/2024
One of the most frequent queries indexers get from clients is “Why is this term not in the index?” In this post, indexer Tanya Izzard explains what passing mentions are, why we sometimes leave them out, and how we make that decision. Definitions Passing mentions (sometimes called passing references or minor mentions) are usually defined
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Indexing Biographies
Posted on: 28/05/2024
In this post indexer W. Stephen Gilbert discusses one of the trickiest aspects of indexing biographical books: how to deal with index entries for the biographical subject, their works and activities. Most indexers will be called upon to index a volume that is more or less biographical. Such tasks pose particular and often quite ticklish
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Working with self-publishers
Posted on: 14/05/2024
An introduction to working with self-publishing writers Did you know self-published authors sell over 300 million books annually? This burgeoning market presents exciting opportunities for indexers seeking to expand their clientele. However, working with self-publishing authors (also known as independent or indie authors) requires a different approach than working with traditional publishing houses. In this
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Indexing and AI
Posted on: 27/03/2024
There’s rampant speculation about the impact of AI on many aspects of publishing. Here, indexer Tanya Izzard looks at the possible implications of AI for indexing. Definitions and how it works Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be defined as technology that can mimic cognitive functions associated with human intelligence. Generative AI is a type of AI
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Becoming an indexer 4: the pre-qualification indexing assignment (PIA)
Posted on: 01/12/2023
Once you’ve completed the training course modules and tutorials, and passed the necessary assessments, the final stage before you start your professional indexing career is to complete the pre-qualification indexing assignment, known as the PIA. What is the PIA? The PIA is an index to a complete book or document of your choice, of about
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Becoming an indexer 3: tutorials, workshops and other support
Posted on: 24/11/2023
This post follows on from the overview of the training course modules and explains how the other aspects of the SI training course – online tutorials, workshops, practice exercises and advice and support – will help you prepare for a career as an indexer. Support available throughout the course The training course website includes quizzes
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Becoming an indexer 2: the Society of Indexers training course modules
Posted on: 17/11/2023
Are you thinking about training as an indexer? This is the first of three blog posts that give an overview of the Society of Indexers training course. It gives an overview of the different elements of the course and describes the modules that deliver the theoretical content of the course. About the training course The
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Becoming an indexer: what makes a good indexer?
Posted on: 10/11/2023
This is the first of a series of posts discussing how to become an indexer. In this post, Tanya Izzard discusses the attributes of a good indexer. Background Many indexers come from a library and information science background, but almost any previous career will give you knowledge and experience that will help you find your
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