by We’re running a series of interviews to introduce you all to our wonderfully talented group of independent indexers and taxonomists who enable us to say “yes” to the variety of project types and turnaround times our clients are looking for. Today, we’d like you to get to know one of our newer indexers, Elise Hess.
Your Business
PI: How long have you been an associate at Potomac Indexing?
A year and a half [since 2016]
PI: Tell us your indexing (or other information access system) origin story. All superheroes, including indexers, have an origin story.
In 2007 when I was an office manager at an admissions department at a college, Estalita [a PI Partner] came to me and asked if I could help her with a project because she was swamped. I was only working part time for the college, so I was happy to receive some extra money. After completing that project, she took me through the training. However, I was offered the Director position and was unable to do indexing as well as that job. The Slivoskey family moved and I didn’t do any indexing until we reconnected with them in 2017. She then approached me about getting back into indexing again. I happily agreed it would be a great thing and I love doing it again!
PI: What are your specialties and/or favorite subjects?
Religion/Christianity, music, history
PI: Pick one of your favorite subjects and tell us why it fascinates you.
I love history and love learning about it, so it’s fun to be able to read about it and get paid also!
PI: What’s your best productivity or indexing secret tip (that you are willing to share, that is)?
I don’t think I do anything that is different than anyone else, but Estalita uses the method of printing off the index after you’ve edited within the software and then using a red pen to edit on the paper. It makes it easier to see the big picture of the index instead of what you can just see on the screen.
PI: What do you consider the most challenging aspect of the work?
I have two kids and only work when they are sleeping. It is challenging to make progress only to have to take a break from it to help them—I don’t always get to go back to it until several hours later.
PI: Where do you usually work?
On my couch!
PI: Talk about your process (and this can be for book indexing or other related projects, like keyword tagging, embedded indexing, etc.). Any advice for other professionals—new and experienced?
I have my software up on the left side of my screen and the PDF on the right side of my screen. I enter as I read through the material. After doing entry on the whole PDF, I go through and edit on screen, getting rid of unnecessary subheadings, putting in qualifiers, etc. Then I print the index and use the red pen method to edit on paper. I then enter the changes I made, run spell check, look through it again, double check the SPECs document to make sure everything is in the correct format, and send it off.
PI: What are your favorite/most-used tools, for indexing or other business purposes?
My laptop
PI: CINDEX, SKY or Macrex (or other)? What do you like best about your choice?
CINDEX
PI: If you could only recommend one book about indexing, what would it be?
Chicago Manual of Style
Personal Perspective
PI: Where do you live (just approximately, since this will be published on the Web)? And if you like, tell us a bit about your surroundings and folks you live with (including furry friends) if you wish.
The Black Hills of South Dakota. I have a husband and two children. The scenery in my community is amazing.
PI: Tell us about your hobbies. Are there specific ones you turn to as a break from work, or any that are a special treat in between or at the end of projects?
I love photography, music, and biking.
PI: What’s the last book you read for fun?
For the Love by Jen Hatmaker
PI: What’s your superpower?
Multitasking
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Elise was born and raised in the Black Hills of South Dakota. She attended Trinity Bible College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. She and her husband are pastors and have served in churches in North Dakota and Michigan. They have a son in kindergarten and a two-year-old as well. Being able to work from home has been a huge blessing in not only income but also flexibility of schedule. After a short stint of athletic coaching in North Dakota, the Hesses recently moved back to the Black Hills to start a church.
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