To become an indexer, you will first need to complete training in the work of indexing, which you may be able to do via classroom courses, distance learning courses or by apprenticing with an indexer. After you learn how to index, you will need to seek work. While in some cases you can get a job doing indexing for a publisher, in most cases you will work as a freelancer, contracting with publishers and authors to index their publications. Like most freelance contractors, you will have to spend time and effort building a clientele in order to create a profitable indexing practice.
Once you decide to become an indexer, you should seek out professional organizations for indexers in the area where you live. These organizations can provide you with good information on becoming an indexer, indexer training and indexer careers. You may also be able to connect with experienced indexers who may be willing to offer you an internship or apprenticeship while you learn the profession. By attending meetings and networking events, you can make connections within the industry and may be able to find work this way. In addition, you may wish to take the time to read books and articles written by and for professional indexers.
Indexers do not need a license to offer their services, so there is no required set of educational credentials for aspiring indexers. If you want to become an indexer, however, you will generally have to demonstrate that you have formal training in the profession. Some indexers receive their training by completing a degree in library science or taking indexing courses at a graduate school of library science. Some professional associations also offer courses and professional certification programs. If you are the sort of person who learns by doing, you may instead want to try and get a job working under a professional indexer or working at an indexing firm.
Once you have completed your training to become an indexer, you will need to develop a clientele. If you are involved with a professional organization, you may be able to join a referral program in which the organization connects people looking for indexing services with professional indexers. You may also want to begin sending out your resume to publishers. If you have additional degrees or work experience that could benefit you in working for certain types of publishers or in certain genres you should mention this in your introduction letter to publishers and other possible employers.
