"An enlightening, A-to-Z look at what indexing involves—including the tools of the trade, the many technical and lifestyle challenges indexers face, and what it takes to become a successful indexer."

—William Keenan Jr.,
Editorial Freelancers Association

With The Accidental Indexer, Nan Badgett has written the definitive guide to the indexing profession. Badgett presents a clear-eyed overview of the field, describes a range of specialties, shares insights from her fellow “accidental” indexers, and offers a wealth of savvy advice on starting and running a freelance indexing business. You’ll find strategies for staying on deadline, maintaining work–life balance, collaborating and subcontracting, and creating new work opportunities. In addition, Badgett recommends important resources—and provides useful forms and checklists—on such topics as training and professional development, promoting your services, managing multiple projects, contracting with clients, and ensuring index quality.

 

"A wonderfully informative overview of the rigors and rewards of the indexing profession and of the independent, intelligent people who practice it."

—Charlee Trantino, Wilson Award Winner for Excellence in
Indexing, and President, American Society for Indexing

"All new indexers should have two books on their shelf: Mulvany’s and Badgett’s. That dynamic combination covers all the basics of how to index and how to begin an indexing career."

—Kari Kells, indexing instructor
and co-author, Inside Indexing