An Indexer: A Way to Make Extra Money

An index is simply a roadmap for a book reader to locate desired information quickly and systematically. An index involves arranging topics of the books alphabetically or in any other format desired by the client and can be found near the end of any book. It is a grouping of similar concepts or definitions.

An indexer is a professional who do the indexing. An indexer as a profession can be a good, lucrative part-time or full-time business to earn extra income.

Working as freelancers, an Indexer can be hired by authors, libraries, publishers, professors etc. The job which can be done easily from home is meticulous and requires attention to details. According to Ardito Information and Research, a good index must have accuracy, depth, conciseness (precision), and ability of cross-referencing and logical headings.

Setting up an index business from home does not require a major investment. Start-up supplies include computer, printer, fax machine, indexing software and basic office supplies like pen, paper etc.

There are several index softwares available in the market. Some of the well-known software includes Authex Plus, Cindex, Macrex and Sky Index. These softwares greatly enhance the quality of indexing.

For the proper training and guidance, it is advisable for the new indexers to join the American Society of Indexer who can provide valuable information about the profession and advice on how to launch a successful career as an indexer. The American Society of Indexer provides quarterly bulletin, information about the local chapters and offers discounted indexing workshops and conferences.

In addition to American Society of Indexer, there are several community colleges and well know universities who offer the Indexing courses. For example, University of California at Berkeley offers a distance learning course called Indexing: Theory and Application, specifically designed for the freelance indexers. The course offers fundamentals of indexing which includes editing, writing and methods of creating indexes. The course does not require any prerequisite and students can complete the course on their own pace in six months.

It will be a good idea to create few samples of indexing to send your client before embarking on this profession.

There are several ways to get the Index business but soliciting with publishers directly is the most effective. Contact several publishers and send your resume with samples and credentials. In the begining, the best way to get in to this business is to offer volunteer indexing service for a good publisher and include that in your resume.