New
England Chapter
American Society for Indexing
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England Chapter
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Spring Meeting 2008 Presentation
Business Roundtable: How Do I Become an Indexer? Getting That First Job (But I Have No Experience)
Facilitated by Christine Hoskin and Jean Jesensky
This was a very popular roundtable, drawing 10-15 people to each of the two roundtable rotation sessions. Christine and Jean answered questions, provided information based on their own experiences, and shared resource information and helpful tips on how to find that first job. Marketing strategies for new indexers are a little different than for experienced indexers, so a good part of the discussion focused on how to market oneself if a new indexer.
Information and tips discussed included the following: Indexing courses including the new ASI Training Course in Indexing, and interactive CD-ROM distance learning course, various video courses, online courses and workshops through colleges and community colleges, and workshops available at ASI and NEASI meetings and conferences. For more information about indexing training, courses and workshops, go to http://www.asindexing.org/site/courses.shtml or http://www.newenglandindexers.org/courses.htm.
ASI/NEASI membership is a way to become known as an indexer and to find out about opportunities. ASI members can subscribe to the Jobs Hotline (free to members) and the Index Locator (for an annual fee). NEASI membership includes a listing in the online member directory where one can describe one's areas of expertise along with contact information.
THE IMPORTANCE OF NETWORKING!
Join organizations, attend meetings, and participate in online discussion groups. Don't limit yourself to indexing organizations, but also include other publishing related organizations and organizations of specialists in particular subject areas in which you are interested in indexing.
Get involved! Don't just join organizations, but volunteer for committees or special projects, or run for office. These are great ways for you to become known by your peers as well as people outside the organizations.BUT I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE!
One way to gain some experience and build up a portfolio is to do some practice indexes. Select a book on a subject that interests you and try creating an index for it. If it already has an index, create your index without looking at the existing index, and then compare them or ask an experienced indexer to review your index and give you feedback.
Another way to gain some experience is to find yourself a mentor. Many experienced indexers are interested in helping others get into the field and are willing to take on an apprentice. This is a great way to get started in the business; you work under the supervision of an experienced indexer who will give you feedback. You can learn a great deal this way and earn some money at the same time.DO YOUR RESEARCH!
MARKETING FOR THAT FIRST JOB!
A good source information about publishers is The Literary Market Place (LMP),the directory of American and Canadian book publishing. It is available online at www.literarymarketplace.com. Annual subscriptions are rather expensive, but weekly subscriptions to literarymarketplace.com are available for a reasonable cost, and you can download a lot of information in a week! There is also a limited-use free registration account. Print copies of the directory are available in most public libraries.
Another good source of information about publishers in New England is Bookbuilders of Boston, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing together people involved in book publishing and manufacturing throughout New England, online at www.bbboston.org. Members can be listed in the online directory as well as in print directory that is published annually. The directory includes information about local publishers and the types of books they publish and can be a great resource for finding work.
Create an online presence with a website. List yourself on online directories such as the NEASI member directory, the ASI Index Locator, Bookbuilders of Boston online (and print) directory, and the EFA member directory. Write a blog and participate in online discussion groups.
The idea is to get your name out there. Be cautious about what you post on discussion lists or blogs, i.e., be sure of the information you post and how you word your posting. You do not want to post something that puts you in a negative light or makes you look ridiculous. Remember, once something is posted on the internet, it's out there!
Contact publishers. You can do your marketing campaign either via email or the USPS, or a combination of both. Write a letter that highlights your skills and experience in the subject specialty area of the publisher. Include a resume that describes your experience that is relevant to the particular publisher or project.
Begin by targeting those who publish in your field of interest or experience. Since you may not have a lot of indexing experience, emphasize your passion about and knowledge of the subject matter and how that makes you the ideal indexer for the project.
Create an index for a book that currently has no index or has a less than adequate index, and send it to the publisher as an example of your work, offering your services to index future books for them. Point out that an index of the caliber of yours, i.e., one that is comprehensive with multiple access points to the information in the text can actually improve sales, because many people check out the index before deciding to buy a book.
Offer your services as a subcontractor to a busy, more experienced indexer.
Handouts included the ASI membership brochure; the ASI brochure, "Getting Started in Indexing;" a sample indexing agreement, available on the ASI website; a sample indexing proposal; and NEASI's Resources for Indexing Professionals.