Indexing Boot Camp

Since 2008, Enid Zafran has offered an Indexing Boot Camp at her offices in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. This unique one-on-one training is aimed at newer indexers to give them the skills and confidence they need to pursue a career in indexing.

The three days include:

• Review of basic concepts, such as structure, cross-references, locators, and keyword choice.
• Indexing software instruction, learning settings, shortcuts, and productivity tips.
• Hands-on practice with setting up a project and creating a publishable index:
• how to recognize what is indexable, how to phrase it, and how to create a workable structure, how to handle client specifications, etc.
• Editing an index - what to look for and how to fix it.

Also practical topics like the business aspects of running an indexing business are covered. Trainees may also want to bring indexes they have already done for review and comment.

What makes the training so valuable is that it goes at your pace, has time to address all your questions and concerns, and creates the possibility of an ongoing mentoring relationship.

Prior to coming, attendees do short indexing exercises so they have an opportunity to begin the “indexing conversation” prior to the Boot Camp.

The three-day session is usually held Friday through Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm each day. The trainee needs to arrive on the Thursday before in order to have the full time allotted.

Accommodations and meals are included in the fee. You can arrange for us to pick you up from Baltimore-Washington (BWI) Airport for an additional round-trip charge.

Scheduling a Boot Camp

To schedule your session, contact Enid at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Be sure to include some information about your background in indexing and your professional goals.
Since the training is one-on-one, the timing is set to suit both your and Enid's schedule.

What previous Boot Camp attendees have said:

“The workshop definitely lived up to my expectations, and I am so glad I did it. Your methods are terrific, and I'd never have figured them out in such detail on my own. I picked up lots of excellent hints.”
- Madge Walls

“Enid is a great teacher, patient, knowledgeable, and generous. As a new indexer, I found the opportunity to learn from Enid, one of the best, was extraordinarily valuable. Never boring, her curriculum ranged from lecture, paper-pencil exercises, hands-on computer indexing exercises, to specific software program training. Adding to the overall experience were the comfortable, gracious accommodations and great food cooked to your own specifications. I would recommend this Boot Camp to anyone new to indexing.”
- Lee Humphrey