I was first introduced to the manuscript for the golfing memoir 'King of Clubs' when I struck up a conversation with a fellow member of the networking site LinkedIn. We were discussing the short window of time that freelancers have to complete an index, as it is the final activity before a manuscript goes to publication.
Author Jim Ducibella expressed his concerns. He was in the process of final editing and deciding whether he wanted to have an index to accompany his text.
I asked to have a look at the manuscript, and after reviewing it, I let him know that an index would definitely add value—not to mention a scholarly sheen—to his work.
I also saw—because it is not only the history of two particular golf marathons in the 1930s, but a memoir of golfer James Ferebee—that it would be a complex text to work with. I knew I would have to do some special research on biographical techniques.
So, we made an agreement that I would create a preliminary index to get a head start before the final pages were due. We felt that it would be a greater service to the index to take this extra step, rather than waiting until there was just a two-week window to complete the assignment.
Since beginning this project I have been consulting colleagues through various indexing forums on the technicalities. I have even set up a small group of students who will be practicing with this text.
They are feeling a bit intimidated to be working on one of the most difficult types of indexes, but once they are finished and their work is peer-reviewed they can be proud of the hard work they have done.
One of the written sources I have consulted is an article by Hazel Bell from "The Indexer" magazine's April 1989 issue:
Indexing biographies:
lives do bring their problems (PDF).
Ms. Bell, *the* authority on biographical indexing, explains that the difference between indexing technical material and "soft" material (such as memoirs) is that there is no right answer when it comes to making index decisions.
That is, there is a lot more leeway for style choices in biographical indexes.
This can frighten an indexer who is more comfortable following strict indexing standards. Indexing of memoirs can also require extra queries and research on the part of the indexer, which can irk those who pride themselves on speed.
Key terms in biographical indexes have an ambiguity that is lacking in technical material.
For example, does "marriage" mean simply the wedding date, or does it mean events throughout the lives of the couple?
Does "family" include siblings and parents, as well as the children of the main subject?
Ms. Bell also warns that great care must be taken in keyword selection.
As an example, the author may tip-toe around someone's sexuality, but the indexer may decide to enter "Smith, Joe, homosexuality of." This could potentially result in a libel suit…
Another point made by Hazel Bell is that a biographical index looks better when using the run-in style as distinct from indented style.
She argues that an indented index for a biography gives a "disjointed effect," whereas a run-in index is better suited to a memoir because it provides a continuous sequence, i.e. a narrative effect that reads and flows better.
Finally, it is suggested that the indexer not shy away from a longer-than-usual list of undifferentiated locators.
With traditional indexes, it is advised to break out into subheadings after five locators.
Ms. Bell argues that to break out just to follow traditional rules, may lead the reader to believe that the mentions are more substantial than they are—causing disappointment in the reader believing that there is going to be more of a weighty discussion.
Rather, Ms. Bell reassures the indexer, if the mentions are slight, then the presence of many undifferentiated locators tells a worthy "story of its own."
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