I understand that trade presses take different approaches in acknowledging the research that goes into history books, but I picked up a new book that contains no footnotes or endnotes, no bibliography or further reading, and no index. The publisher is asking me to engage in an act of faith. No thnx.

Also wondering about the weather tomorrow - how bad does it have to be for an outdoor brass band event to be cancelled? We are planning on putting up a gazebo in the first slot and playing from 12:30 to 2pm.

Waiting for the Royal Mail to deliver a parcel, assumed to be a book from a publisher I worked with earlier this year, but not sure which book of the two it is going to be. I seldom get publication copies and those I don't want to keep get donated to my local library.

How does a book indexing project work? What should I expect as a client? How do I find the right indexer for my project? Our blog series on index commissioning takes you through the process in helpful detail buff.ly/fWpnjja

Some support for book indexes here. @indexers.bsky.social has a directory of indexers should you need to find one.

A study has shown that the more receptive someone is to corporate jargon, the worse they are at their job - but the more likely they are to be promoted. @questingvole.bsky.social unpacks how, and why, that's the case. substack.com/inbox/post/1...

London's Cartoon Museum is staging a brand new exhibition of caricatures, including some Spitting Image stuff by yours truly. It runs from May 23-November 1st. Visit The Cartoon Museum for more details ... www.cartoonmuseum.org/whats-on-exh... Please be kind, and repost! x

Today's earworm is Glorious Ventures by Peter Graham, one of the pieces we (Bradwell Silver Band) will be performing on Saturday with Jack Wilson, neither on here, so I can say I think Jack does it better than this version. www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIPl...

No there isn't, and YOU don't have to do it. There are plenty of professional indexers willing and able to do it. Book indexing is something that a human brain does better than any software that's around right now.

Short survey about AI and indexing - anyone can fill it in.

If you’re involved in book or journal publishing that currently includes indexing, please help me out and participate in this Menti (just 4 questions!) www.menti.com/al241nvvo6ys

This is what professional experienced book indexers do all day. They work out what the book is about and put the concepts in the index. Sometimes the book, or parts of it, isn't quite about what the author thinks it was.

@djbduncan.bsky.social likes this sort of thing. Handwritten indexes to self-compiled books.

I was at the Johnny Ball talk last night. He was totally lovely.

Goslings!

In our latest blog post, we asked our panel of expert indexers what has changed in the profession, and what has stayed the same #IndexSky buff.ly/6JN6aux

At our April coffee morning, seventeen SI members, from retired to student indexers, met to discuss what we say when we talk among ourselves about indexing.

I must recommend this brilliant book to anyone interested in the churches of Norwich and their history. Recently published, large format, loads of photos, maps etc, 500 pages, surprisingly a very reasonable price on line.

Super old index here. I am not sure we can or should do it like that these days but all the same.

I guess every biographer becomes obsessed with setting the record straight about their subject, but I have never seen a book include a detailed "Index to Misconceptions" like this! The use of all-caps makes it even more hilarious. from "Berlioz and the Romantic Century" by Jacques Barzun (1950)

Cool! Someone went to check if they were in a book by looking at the index.

Look, a reader uses and index and finds what they were looking for.

Often a good idea to promote your non-fiction book with a glimpse of the index, especially if it is a good one. Not one of mine I have to say.

NEW BOOK: 'Rhynie, A Powerful Place of Pictland' We are thrilled to announce the release of our book by Professor Gordon Noble FSAScot, a nationally important monograph that brings together 10 years of research which has transformed our understanding of the Picts: www.socantscot.org/uncategorize...

Someone suggested I use AI to write the index of my book (which will be out next year!). Um, no. Never. Why would I work so hard on something for years before AI and then give it a lazy (& inaccurate) index? Also proud to say I wouldn’t know how to start using AI and I don’t want to.

Full details about the training course here.

If you’re an author or publisher looking for an indexer for your book, we have a Professional Directory of accredited indexers. Search by subject and skill to find the right indexer for your project. But book early – there is high demand for our services #IndexDay buff.ly/QNq1llm

Indexers are often asked if they read every word. Yes, we do! And the indexer's eyes will often be the last to do so before the book comes out. We will raise any issues we spot. It's not a free proofread, but it is a quality check.

What is an index, and why is it important? An index is a map; it makes the information in books accessible to readers. It gives a sense of the coverage of the book, and whether it contains the information you need. And you can go back after reading to find what you want #IndexDay buff.ly/LMIHOqs

We’re all about high quality and standards in indexing. But how can you tell a good index from a bad one? Good indexes anticipate and serve the needs of the reader. They are appropriate to the length of the book, concise without being elliptical, inclusive without being over-complex.

In a nutshell #IndexDay celebrates the Society and the last, almost 70 years, of promoting excellence in indexing.

Wearing two hats today as I'm monitoring @indexers.bsky.social on #IndexDay for all things book indexing. Ask a question and we'll try to answer. Show us your indexes, good and bad. Show us your love for indexes too.

@djbduncan.bsky.social - a great quote!

"Indexes are deeply political. A good interdisciplinary index signal-boosts the work of marginalized scholars and fields while making the text accessible across communities." Louder for the people in the back please.

‘Nonfiction books are a crucial bulwark against the surging public culture of “alternative facts,” outright lies, and the brazen embrace of ignorance.‘ newrepublic.com/article/2076...

@djbduncan.bsky.social @baindex.org - the long reach goes on. Influencing ideas about book indexing and how to do it. "a banger good book" should go on the jacket of the next printing.

I think some of my clients need to up their game when it comes to thanks for my work. Payment is required too.

A very small section(!) of 200+ photos from an absolutely brilliant long weekend trip to Gdańsk that @timgalsworthy.bsky.social organised as a thank you for book indexing. Possibly one of my favourite European cities - so much to see from the Hanseatic League to Solidarity, wartime to restoration.

Oh dear!

Half a life time ago I'd have applied for this. Good to see commitment to publishing archaeology continues in Oxford.

@baindex.org had a day out with @cilipmdg.bsky.social librarians and looked at the crossovers with indexers.

A page from the index of our upcoming book. We love indexing.

Having a bit of a moment looking at the index of an archaeological report done by someone who has archaeological experience but has not been trained as indexer and it shows. No names, no pack drill, but this is why it is important to have someone trained and knowledgeable doing your indexes.

I had a super time talking about how much I enjoy indexing archaeological site reports, and keeping up with current research with @currentarchaeology.bsky.social (although a fair few of the articles are about books I have already worked on). And I got to talk about poo again! Fecal steroids!

Our March session featured indexer @nicolaking.bsky.social talking about indexing archaeology texts. These are published by a range of organizations – consultancies, societies, universities, museums as well as publishers.

#TinyJoys Being reminded of #WorldBookDay by some other social media when my offspring was 12 and went out as a hobbit with a wooden sword. He's 23 now.

Yup, even popular non-fiction needs an index. Readers notice and want better.

Are you a publishing professional who needs to know more about book indexing? Join us for our #IndexDay workshops in London @publishersassoc.bsky.social on 31 March. Learn about indexing and technology, what makes a quality index, and try indexing for yourself. Book at

The full programme for our #IndexDay workshop for publishing professionals on 31 March @publishersassoc.bsky.social is out. Join experienced professional indexers to discuss a range of indexing topics. See the programme and book your place here - places are limited, so book soon!