Experience

Joanne Sprott

I've edited and indexed documentation, both in print and online, for various clients since 1992. Check out the portfolio for more details on the kinds of books and other documentation I've worked on. I also worked part-time for two years (2000–2002) as an editor and indexer at The Integrity Group. I've expanded into indexing training for technical writers and standard vocabulary building since 2005.

Prior to starting my indexing and editing business, I took a couple of years off for child rearing (1990–1992) here in Houston, Texas.

I worked in university administration at Brown University in Providence Rhode Island (1986–1990) prior to moving to Houston. It was in Brown's bookstore that I discovered a little volume that outlined all a bookworm's favorite careers, from working in bookstores and libraries, to writing, editing and, in fact, indexing for publishers and authors on a freelance basis.

My early post-college career was spent as an intelligence officer in the United States Air Force, where I honed my analytical and public speaking skills (1979–1986).

I originally received my bachelor's degree in linguistics from the University of New Hampshire in 1979. I also took several graduate level philosophy courses at Brown University.

Sue Gaines

I have been indexing printed works over the past two years, covering a very wide range of subject matter including: sociology, finance, science, biographies, history, and software manuals. Corporate documents, marketing materials, and software documentation make up the majority of subjects covered in my ten-plus years of editing/proofing experience.

In addition to my indexing and editing endeavors, I am also a professional graphic designer and have completed projects large and small for both corporate and private clients for over twenty-five years.

My work experience has been quite diverse, from graphic design and project management in huge corporate environments (Enron) to zoo keeping. At one end of my work activity spectrum, I've been called upon to conduct cancer research while at the other to provide computer network support. This diversity has enabled me to support a wide range of topics in my indexing career and editing career. In many of these positions, I was also required to present training courses or give public presentations.

My bachelor’s degree, from Texas Tech University (1976), is in animal science, a field that still interests me a great deal, evidenced by the 100 or so birds I care for on my property.