does anyone work as an indexer?

[BikeBug]

just wondering? Saw a comment on it in a magazine as a good, flexible, job. Have looked up the training (self directed learning), exams (not too bad) but can't find much on how you get work or what it pays! Does anyone know??

You've probably already been on this site but click here to find out more

Most indexers are self employed so charge in a variety of ways i.e. per page, per hour or per deadline. Recommended minimum charge is £17.50/hour

that's really helpful, thank you. I'd seen the website but didn't know the rates. Do you know how much work tends to be available? I'm guessing it varies by field, but I posted this question on another forum and was warned off by someone who says she has worked in publishing for years and that most indexing is done in house?

I used to do this - it was the most awful job I've ever done. Hours and hours of INTENSE concentration, often with horrible academic texts. The hourly rate is good but those hours will feel much much longer!!!

I did a handful of indexes years ago, one for an academic text and two for second and third editions of the same specialist book on probation work (published by my mum's husband). Those were through contacts/nepotism and on a very casual basis, and I probably could have got more work if I'd pursued it but after that I was getting rather more regular temporary office work and didn't really need this.

I found indexing to be a matter of commonsense and just making a list of all the terms that someone using a book would want to look up - the first was on elections in Namibia so eg political parties (I don't remember the rest), the second and third were about various Acts of Parliament, names of different types of orders and sentences passed in court. The other thing you need is patience and a certain ability to force yourself through what can get very dull to meet the deadline agreed.

I would recommend trying out some work in that area before paying out for training and exams, because I don't think most people/organisations willing to try a freelance will necessarily see those as crucial, and because it's perhaps a good idea to find out how you feel about the work before putting in a big financial investment.

Luci