Working as an Indexer -from home

lotto-dreamer

I have made a happy discovery - I always assumed that the indexes in books were done by publishers but have discovered a lot is outsourced to people working as freelancers.

Does anyone have any advice on working as an Indexer?

- someone who has done this type of work perhaps? Can you earn a decent living from it? What would be best way to get started? What is the downside,if any?

From the bit of research I've done on the internet this morning the whole idea appeals - I am passionate about books particularly non-fiction/reference (bit of a dilettante) and am familiar with using indexes and the frustration of ones that don't work well!

I realise it would be labour intensive but very interesting. I love the idea of being able to work from home. Can anyone offer any practical advice please?

BrunoM

I know proof-reading is extremely hard job to get freelance with any regularity - until you're already "in" with some publishers. I would think indexing likely to be the same but unfortunately I don't know anything about them directly. There probably aren't too many indexing jobs out there at any one time Good luck!

jobbingmusician

If I were indexing, I might use Excel to type all the words I was indexing in, as it has a good sort facility

lotto-dreamer

Tustastic wrote: »

However she had gone right off the work when she was only a quarter of the way through. She struggled to the end, collected the money and never did it again.

Thanks - that is really helpful and what worries me! I don't want to spend £300+ for doing a course (have found The Society of Indexers website) to discover it becomes a struggle/doesn't pay well/ can't get any work.

Although it seems computers can help up to a point - a human mind is still required to uderstand context in selecting relevant words.

Thanks for all the replies so far. I am not going to be parting with £300 lightly (or easily) so really appreciate any advice and comments while I weigh up the pros and cons.

Astaroth

jobbingmusician wrote: »

If I were indexing, I might use Excel to type all the words I was indexing in, as it has a good sort facility

Unsurprisingly there is many specialist software packages to do it

I have only known one freelancer and they do make a good enough living from it.

Ultimately it is like any freelance work - if you have regular clients and a good reputation then there is lots of work. If you are trying to break into the market you have to have some form of unique selling point to claw the contracts away from their regular supplier and ultimately you will be up against people from other countries which will always be able to under cut you on price.

Daisies

The Society of Indexers course is the thing to do and they should also be able to help you find work. So you won't be earning much for a while whilst doing the course. It can also be tough if you haven't worked from home before, the money can be good but you need to stick at it and work regular hours (and possibly extra if there's a deadline) and not be tempted to keep taking tea breaks!!

Good luck!

Three_Dancing_Dragons

There is mention of this in the book, A Bit On the Side which has suggestions of multiple sources of additional income. (Is nice to see someone else who thinks indexing looks interesting - I was laughed at when I mentioned it elsewhere but I still think it looks cool. Am only hesitatant after hearing stores about dodgy proofreading training.)

lotto-dreamer

Three_Dancing_Dragons wrote: »

- Am only hesitatant after hearing stores about dodgy proofreading training.)

I looked at proofreading ages ago (plenty of newspaper ads!) but it didn't really have as much appeal- this looks far more interesting.

I am just hoping someone will come along who has either done the course or who works regularly as an indexer and can give some advice. I don't want to part with any money until I have a bit more info.

I want to work from home but need something that brings in a decent income.

Glad to hear someone else thinks it looks interesting -even if it's not considered "cool" :rotfl:

lotto-dreamer

Three_Dancing_Dragons wrote: »

There is mention of this in the book, A Bit On the Side which has suggestions of multiple sources of additional income.

Have checked out "A Bit on the Side" (thanks TDD! - this is a very helpful book) - was a bit alarmed to see under Cons for Indexing work that "the work can be mentally and physically exhausting"

It cites rates (for experienced indexers) as £16-£30 per hour. Not bad!

Challenging it might be - but it can't be as stressful as conveyancing can it?

.... still hoping that someone who has done the course/works as an indexer will come along to give some advice.