As indexing is a solitary occupation and is such a niche area, I was very pleased to discover an indexer named Michelle Guiliano started a podcast for freelance indexers. She discusses a wide variety of topics related to indexing, such as software, marketing, networking, conferences, time tracking and editing indexes.
You can find the podcast on https://linebylineindexing.com/podcast/ , https://www.indexerpodcast.com/episodes/ or you can listen to it on Spotify.
There is a trailer introducing the podcast series followed by 26 podcasts.
Season One of the podcast covers topics including the benefits of freelance indexing; being your own boss and the traits of a good boss; how to do a year-end business review; scheduling time off after a big indexing push; indexing award competitions; accepting credit cards; charging rates by the entry, page or word; hourly rates; preparation for networking at virtual conferences; connecting with people after virtual conferences; stopping the stress cycle; preparation of estimates for indexing projects; and checking hourly rate of estimated project fees.
Season Two of the podcast has episodes on having another indexer edit your index and interviews with indexers Enid Zafran and Stephen Ullstrom. Enid Zafran is an award-winning indexer with over 40 years of experience. Stephen Ullstrom is also an award-winning indexer and wrote Book Indexing: A Step-by-Step Guide. The March 8th 2024 episode discusses the fate of indexing software programs, such as Macrex, CINDEX and Index Manager. From April 1 2024, Scribendi will no longer distribute or support CINDEX but it will be available as an open-source program.
The Freelance Indexer Exchange is a great resource to learn about indexing and I like the slogan Michelle uses: “We can do better, together”.
For anyone writing a book which needs a proofread or an index, hire a professional from AFEPI (Association of Freelance Editors, Proofreaders & Indexers of Ireland) , the Society of Indexers, or CIEP (Charter Institute of Editing and Proofreading) to lighten your load!