Index West: Learn the Basics of Indexing

[Kari Kells * Index West * PO Box 615 * Olympia, WA 98507 * 360-870-4384 * http://www.indexw.com/]

Step One to Indexing

Upcoming Schedule

There is no class scheduled at this time. If you're interested in taking this class, sign up to receive advance notification of my next class. Email me if you have any questions or would like references from former students who can tell you about my teaching style and the effectiveness of my classes.

If you'd like to study with me and don't want to wait for my next live, classroom-based course, consider taking my self-paced tutorials.

Description

Step One consists of five 3-hour sessions held on five Saturdays or Sundays for a total of 15 in-class hours. In this class, you learn the basics of indexing (see the outline below). Upon completion, you will be prepared to begin a freelance indexing business.

Informative lectures by Kari Kells, an experienced instructor and successful freelance indexer.

Reading packets of recent indexing-related articles and chapters from books on indexing.

Timely, thorough feedback on your indexing assignments.

Individual attention both in class and on assignments. Because participation is limited to a maximum of 15 students, your questions and assignments will receive focused individual attention.

Comments from former students:

"Just a note to thank you for all of your help. I really appreciate the detailed comments and suggestions that you made on all of my assignments. I have learned a lot from you." - Yvette Cunningham
"... I thought the class was great, by the way. I really appreciate how practical your course is." - Judith Light
"... thank you for such a great experience in your indexing class. It was magical to go to Vashon every other week and have a leisurely lunch, then sit in the library and read for an hour before our always-stimulating classes. I've taken several workshops on indexing and the USDA course but none of them really made me feel I'd gotten good info and, especially, good practice. This class did that... I was so impressed with how thorough and thoughtful you were in your organization of our notebook, providing ferry tickets, and all the many little touches of fostering you offered. I especially appreciated and admired the way you included all points of view and never made anyone feel small for what we didn't know." - Kathy Galvin
"I greatly appreciate your sharing your personal experiences. This was the real value of the course, and worth the cost almost by itself."
"Definitely the BEST way to learn how to index! I felt challenged, but I had a lot of fun doing the assignments... I learned everything I came here for, and more.... it was well worth my time and money. Thanks."
"[your teaching style] is very accessible, very well-prepared, excellent (and frequently amusing) examples."

Who is Step One for?

The only prerequisite for this series is that you have an interest in or a need to learn basic indexing skills. The class is geared toward anyone interested in indexing, but who has no indexing experience. You will benefit from my class if you are:

an editor or project manager in charge of contracting with indexers
a student in an indexing correspondence course who wants more practice and interaction with an instructor. (If you have taken a correspondence course, and are simply looking for some one-on-one discussion about your indexing style and process, you may find my consultation services relevant.)

Cost

Registration for Step One is $425 (by check or credit card). You will also need to purchase a copy of Nancy Mulvany's Indexing Books. Readings packets will be provided at no extra cost. Remember that this class is a business expense and is tax deductible if you get your business license this year.

Outline

Intellectual access and index use

Processes of creating indexes

Indexing standards and guidelines

Evaluating and editing indexes

Software for professional indexers

Contact Kari