Since 2008, Enid Zafran has offered an Indexing Boot Camp at her offices in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware as well as over Zoom for those comfortable learning online. This unique one-on-one training is aimed at newer and intermediate indexers to give them the skills and confidence they need to pursue a career in indexing.
The three days for beginners 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, but flexibility is possible for shorter days.
For those coming in person, 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.
For intermediate-level indexers, personally tailored sessions focus on editing skills, niche areas such as law or scholarly topics, and developing techniques for gaining speed in indexing while maintaining quality and accuracy.
Those who have taken a Boot Camp with Enid can also contact her for index review sessions where Enid will go over an index to give feedback and tips about how to improve work methods and clean up indexes by avoiding common mistakes.
Scheduling a Boot Camp
To schedule your session, contact Enid at enid@indexingpartners.com. 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:
“Enid taught specifically to me as a new indexing student and the one-on-one attention was invaluable. I learned general indexing theory, indexing techniques and shortcuts, software and about the business of indexing and publishing. Enid was always fully prepared and provided excellent training materials and exercises. I have also gained a wonderful mentor who is experienced, available, patient, and encouraging.”
- Noelle Padilla
“Enid’s Boot Camp is unlike any other indexing instruction or course. Real-time, one-on-one instruction with Enid transformed me from someone who had a basic understanding of indexing to a freelancer who knows how to index. Enid is more than an experienced indexer; she's a gifted teacher who can convey the nuances of indexing to both inexperienced and veteran indexers. She has high standards for her own indexing work, and she expects the same of her students. Even today, as I edit my indexes with a purple pen, my reactions and mark ups echo what I learned from Enid.
- Michelle Guiliano