I am a professional indexer, and an Advanced Professional Member of the Society of Indexers. This means that I have the training needed to work to the highest standards. My work meets BS ISO 999:1996, the British standard on indexing, and follows the good practice guidelines of the UK Society of Indexers.
I specialise in the arts and humanities, particularly history, art and literature.
Since qualifying in 2021, my clients have included Birlinn, Bloomsbury, Happy Yak, Harper Collins, Thames and Hudson, and University presses, as well as authors who are publishing their books independently. I’ve worked on texts for all readership levels – from emergent readers to academic level (you can see some examples here). One of the best things about my job is the diversity of the texts I’m asked to work on. I love variety and challenge, and I’m always learning.
By choosing to employ a professional indexer, you are ensuring that your text will have the best index possible. Indexers analyse the text, understand the needs of the reader, provide a ‘road map’ to concepts and produce a clear, accessible, informative way of accessing and retrieving information.
Subjects Indexed
The following list is indicative of the subjects I index, but it is by no means exhaustive. I love a challenge, and particularly welcome texts that intrigue me: If you are unsure whether I’ll be able to help you, please do ask.
- Art History
- Children’s non-fiction
- Education
- English Literature
- Equestrian Sports
- Fishing
- Gardening and horticulture
- History – particularly British History, Social History
- Learning disabilities
- Local History
- Mythology and Folklore
- Natural history – popular interest
- Pets
- Scotland
- Study Skills
- Transport (particularly public transport – trains, buses and ferries)
Qualifications
- Accredited Indexer MSocInd (ADV)
- MA Victorian Studies at Birkbeck College, University of London.
- BA(Hons) English Literature -University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- DipLib Information and Library Studies, Aberystywyth University
- MCLIP Chartered Librarian
- PGDE University of the Highlands and Islands
About me
For many years I worked as a Chartered school librarian, and I am also a qualified Primary School Teacher. These are jobs that require you to become an expert in a wide range of subjects – from the basics up to A level and Advanced Higher: I have supported students with everything from Gaelic to Geology, and Sports Studies to Physics. Teaching students and young people information skills, and helping them with research, has given me a keen insight into the mind of the information-hunter and index user.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time outdoors – swimming, gardening, walking, and wildlife watching. I am chair of Mull’s Riding for the Disabled Group. I am an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction.