It has so far been a busy summer. That means tight deadlines and renewed thoughts about how to be more efficient in my indexing process. I mean, indexing is tough. It is constant analysis, understanding what the text means and discerning how to make the text accessible to readers. If… Read More »Three Indexing Mind Hacks
It occurred to me, after I published the post a couple of weeks ago on how to define and self-assess experience, that imposter syndrome is closely related. How many freelancers experience that? I do. Imposter syndrome is that nagging feeling that my accomplishments are all a fraud. I don’t actually… Read More »Standing Up to Imposter Syndrome
Experience can be tricky to define and gauge. As a freelancer, what standard do you compare yourself to? When are you no longer a “newbie”? Some professional societies, such as the UK’s Society of Indexers or Editors Canada, offer certification, which can be helpful. Many others do not offer these… Read More »Defining Experience, One Index (and One Tree) at a Time
“How long does it take to index a book, anyway?” This is one of the most common questions I am asked by non-indexers. It is a fair question. What is this alchemy of words and numbers that I do from which an index is created? Do I actually have to… Read More »How to Marinate an Index and Other Time Factors
So you have decided to be an indexer. Maybe you have taken a course to learn how to index, and perhaps you have started to build your bridge so that you can transition to full-time freelance indexing. But still, a question remains (well, probably several questions, but we’ll get to… Read More »The Benefits and Practice of Practice
It is that day to poke our heads up from our computers, shake loose the cobwebs of headings and locators which cling to our minds, and realize that hey! we are not alone in this business. (It is great to see you too.) Indexing can be a lonely endeavour.… Read More »Happy Indexing Day! A Tribute to the Joys (and Tribulations) Faced by Indexers
Indexing Specialties: Medicine, ed. by Pilar Wyman (Information Today, Inc., 1999) I have been curious about medical indexing since I heard Mary Russell from Australia speak on the subject at the Indexing Society of Canada’s conference in 2014. Though I don’t have a science or medical background, the way that Mary… Read More »Book Review: Indexing Specialities: Medicine
The words I dread the most from a client are, “You only have x number of pages for the index.” Those words put me on notice that I will probably have to censor myself as I write the index. Instead of thinking, “How can I make this information most accessible?”… Read More »Cutting the Index: Tips for Trimming to Meet Space Limitations
If you have indexed for long, you have probably been asked what areas you index in. You have probably also asked yourself this question when trying to market yourself more effectively. Is there a niche topic in which you can stand out? Personally, I’ve had mixed results trying to market… Read More »Decolonizing the Index: Indexing in Indigenous Studies
My review of Indexing Tactics & Tidbits, by Janet Perlman (Information Today, Inc., 2016). The review first appeared in the ISC/SCI Bulletin, vol. 38, no. 2, Summer 2016. This issue of the Bulletin is currently only available to ISC/SCI members, in the Members Area, but will soon be freely available, along with all… Read More »Book Review: Indexing Tactics & Tidbits, by Janet Perlman