by We are happy to report that we have a new PI Partner in Jessica Freeman. We’d love to have you get to know her through this blog interview!
Your Business
PI: How long have you been doing indexing?
I’ve been indexing since 2015. I started out indexing as a side hustle and transitioned into indexing full-time in 2018.
PI: Tell us your origin story. All superheroes, including indexers, have an origin story. And I know you are also a doctor and beekeeper, so, fill us in on your varied background, please!
I started out majoring in Comparative Literature in undergrad. I then got a Masters in Library Science. I started working at a law library and quickly needed another challenge. I thought about law school and then got turned on to indexing. I little bit of research later and I was on my way. My background has always been in books, whether professional, educational, or recreational.
PI: What are your specialties and/or favorite subjects?
I specialize in scholarly books. Mostly literary criticism, Jewish studies, Christian studies, poetry, dance studies, and more. My favorite subjects recently have been anything having to do with regional history.
PI: Pick one of your favorite subjects and tell us why it fascinates you.
Growing up in the eastern United States, there is a lot about the Southwest I haven’t learned. I’ve been doing books for University of Nebraska, and there’s a whole treasure-trove of interesting topics there. I also love dance studies. It weaves in so many different topics and regions. For instance, a book about dancing connected to African spirituals incorporates my favorite topics in religious studies.
PI: What’s your best productivity or indexing secret tip (that you are willing to share, that is)?
Working with subheadings last. I tend to understand content and connections better at the end. I also like to “get ahead” so I have time at the end of the process to fret a little.
PI: What do you consider the most challenging aspect of the work?
Not always understanding what the author is talking about. Also, cross-references. The very end of the process; I have a hard time sending in my work with confidence!
PI: Where do you usually work?
I usually work on a big comfy chair in my living room with my computer on my lap and my dog curled up at my side. When this doesn’t work, I move to the local coffee shop.
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 began a new process recently that is helpful to me. I divide up the number of days until my deadline. I split that up into 2. I add up the number of pages to index. I divide that by the split number. (20 days to index; 100 pages; 10 pages a day). I read the whole 100 pages, 10 pages a day and put everything I think necessary into my software without editing. I then take the next 10 days going through each page (10 pages a day). I do all of my editing, question-clearing up, make connections, search on topics, etc. It helps me to read the book twice and give myself a page deadline each day.
I highlight my PDF so the second round of this is clear. Red is Proper Names. Purple is subjects. Blue is passing. Green is questions.
PI: What are your favorite/most-used tools, for indexing or other business purposes?
I use the Bear notes app to keep track of all my projects. If I get stuck in a problem, I’ll use pen and paper to write myself out of a bind.
PI: CINDEX, SKY or Macrex (or other)? What do you like best about your choice?
I started with SKY and moved to CINDEX. Both have pros and cons, but CINDEX is the easiest to cut and paste into. I like the color coding better in SKY but have a system in CINDEX.
PI: If you could only recommend one book about indexing, what would it be?
When I first started I read Nancy Mulvany’s Indexing Books and still use it. I read it cover to cover to get a feel of what I was getting into.
Personal Perspective
PI: Where do you live (just approximately)? And if you like, tell us a bit about your surroundings and folks you live with (including furry friends) if you wish.
I live in Athens, Georgia with my partner and dog. It’s a quiet and peaceful place for indexing, although I started indexing in New York City and did a little bit of indexing in the middle of the woods, North Carolina. I have the resources of the University of Georgia here to stimulate my academic interests.
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 to do anything with my hands. I like to crochet and sew quilts. I’m a hobby-hopper. I love to read, of course. When I want to break from work, I sweep my floor! Anything to get moving after sitting at a project for too long. My dog and I like to go for adventure walks. I also love to thrift store treasure hunt.
PI: What’s the last book you read for fun?
The last book I read for fun was Call Us What We Carry: Poems by Amanda Gorman.
PI: What’s your superpower?
I think my ability to be independent. I love to travel solo and I enjoy my own company. A good trait for an indexer!
Jessica Freeman is an indexer, proofreader, and former librarian who has been indexing since 2015. She specializes in scholarly publications geared toward theory, criticism, and historical interpretation in various fields, such as dance studies, history, political science, religion, and literature. She is also interested in cookbooks, poetry, and biographies as they become available. Jessica holds an MLIS (Masters in Library Science) from Pratt Institute and an undergraduate degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Georgia.
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