Book Indexer

Where was that one figure you needed? You know it?s in this book, but you can?t remember exactly what page. You could leaf through the whole text, or cut right to the chase and consult the index in the back of the book. Indexes, particularly for nonfiction books, are extremely useful - but rarely does anyone stop to think that indexes must be created by someone. If you have high reading comprehension, a keen eye for detail, and accurate, methodical work habits, you might consider becoming a book indexer.

Indexing is usually the final step before a book is published, it?s already been edited and typeset before it gets to you. Your job is to read carefully over the text, noting topics or ideas that are likely to catch a reader?s attention, and note each idea?s place in the book, listed in alphabetical order. Try to think like a reader, coming up with numerous ways to look up the same concept. In essence, what you will create is a map to understanding the text. The faster and more accurate you are at achieving this, the more your services will be in demand.

If you already have a computer, word processing software with alphabetical indexing, and a printer, your start-up costs will be minimal and primarily concentrated in advertising, Since this is a specialized business, you?ll need some method of advertising your services to the book companies. One way to enhance your reputation quickly is to join the American Society of Indexers, which as of this writing costs $150 per year. In return, you?ll be listed in their membership directory and receive instant credibility as a professional indexer. You should also send query letters to the large publishing houses and to publishers in your local area. If you?re confident with HTML, it?s worthwhile to advertise your services as a professional indexer on the Internet as well. Even with all these advertising methods in place, don?t quit your day job just yet; be prepared to moonlight as an indexer for a while- at least until your skills get up to speed and you reach a critical mass of indexing projects.

Indexers may charge anywhere from $2.00 to $5.00 per printed book page, depending on the length and complexity of the text. Your first few indexing jobs should be important learning experiences; keep track of the hours you work, so you can estimate turnaround time accurately, and consider what your time is worth to you. Some projects will, by their nature, take more time than others. If your work is in very high demand, you may have to say no to a project once in a while. You may come across highly specialized text that is difficult to read and index, or have to slog through a writing style that is deadly boring. These are simply the pitfalls of the trade, so be prepared for them.

Online Resources:

The American Society of Indexers
The only society in the United States dedicated to indexing, abstracting and database-building.

http://www.asindexing.org/site/index.html

Back Words Indexing?s Novice Notes
Veteran indexer Martha Osgood gives indexing resources, pitfalls, an overview of the process, business advice and marketing strategies.

http://www.backwordsindexing.com/Novice/Process.html