
As a freelance indexer, do you sometimes feel like you are over-accommodating to clients? In this episode, Michelle talks about her own "over-accommodating" tendencies and how she overcomes them. If you have any "over-accommodating" scenarios that you would like Michelle to discuss in a future episode, contact Michelle through the Exchange Box. Here are the links mentioned in this episode: Link to the rate calculator in Indexer IndexLink to the fake newspaper ads mentioned at the ...
Jun 16, 2025
11 min

In this episode Michelle admits to being an indecisive indexer. Are you an indecisive indexer, too? Links mentioned in the episode: co-working method of learning to index vignette on the indecisive indexing process Do you have a suggestion or comment to share? Maybe you have a burning question about indexing or the business of freelancing. Drop your thoughts in the Exchange Box. We would love to hear from you!
Apr 16, 2025
15 min

Michelle shares 5 items from her Indexing To-Do list that helps keep her indexing when she has 20 minutes or less. Links mentioned in the episode: Episode #29: Naming—and conquering— Resistance Indexer podcast website to leave a review Do you have a suggestion or comment to share? Maybe you have a burning question about indexing or the business of freelancing. Drop your thoughts in the Exchange Box. We would love to hear from you!
Apr 8, 2025
17 min

Michelle labels some index entries to streamline her indexing and index edit processes. In this episode, she explains her labeling system—naming and explaining the nine labels she uses. Do you use labels while indexing? We'd love to hear about your process! Link mentioned in the episode: Episode #29 Naming—and Conquering—Resistance When Indexing Indexer Index membership sign up Indexing courses Do you have a suggestion or comment to share? Maybe you have a burning que...
Dec 16, 2024
23 min

Sometimes, even with deadlines looming, indexers might not feel like indexing. It can be hard to sit down at the computer and just start working. In this episode, Michelle details the times she has encountered Resistance. (Yes! Resistance in this instance should have a capital "R"—see also Steven Pressfield's book The War of Art). Michelle shares four strategies to help you overcome Resistance and start indexing! Links noted in the episode: podcast website (indexerpodcast.com) Indexer I...
Dec 5, 2024
18 min

In this episode, Michelle expands on what to do "in case of emergency" by describing the contents of her Go Bag. By having a Go Bag, she's ready for travel, hardware failures, and electricity outages. If you're not ready to keep indexing during an emergency, then maybe you should consider having a Go Bag too. If you don't know where to start, then you'll like the new segment at the end of the podcast: First or Next Step(s). Michelle describes in this episodes First or Next Step(s) segment w...
Nov 26, 2024
17 min

This is the first episode of season 3. Thank you for being a loyal listener! In today's episode, Michelle addresses the sticky situation of what to do in case of emergency. Do you have a system in place so clients of ongoing projects can be contacted if you've been incapacitated or are consumed by a family emergency? Michelle shares her filing system for projects in progress that also serves as an "in-case-of-emergency" contact list. Here are specific articles or programs she mentione...
Sep 26, 2024
20 min

In this episode, Michelle discusses the fate of bespoke indexing software programs in light of Scribendi.ai's announcement about CINDEX. As of April 1, Scribendi will no longer distribute or support CINDEX, but will make it available as an open-source program. Michelle attempts to address what indexers can do to ensure the continued development and distribution of the software programs. Maria Sullivan, an indexer who has been providing support to CINDEX users both when it was owned by Index...
Mar 8, 2024
13 min

In this episode, Enid Zafran talks about her transition from Director of Indexing Services at BNA and the reasons behind the move to full self-employment as a freelance indexer. She also shares her experiences as chief of publications at the American Society for Indexing. Links to other episodes in the series with Enid: #18 Enid Zafran: Indexing in the 1970s and early 1980s #20 Enid Zafran: Indexing Services at the Bureau of National Affairs from 1990 to 2002 #22 Enid Zafran: The Growth of ...
Feb 27, 2024
41 min

This episode is all about indexing and writing about indexing. Michelle talks with Stephen Ullstrom, who is not only an award-winning indexer but he's also a first-time author. He wrote an excellent step-by-step guide to indexing for authors (book link below). Stephen also shares the titles of business books that have influenced his freelance career and what's up next for him and his indexing business. You can connect with Stephen Ullstrom on LinkedIn or sign up for his newsletter on ...
Feb 20, 2024
1 hr 1 min
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