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Freelance Book Indexing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... book using electronic workflow * Prepare and code manuscripts for design and typesetting * Hire and supervise freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers, and review their work * Review and ...

Production Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

... book using electronic workflow * Prepare and code manuscripts for design and typesetting * Hire and supervise freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers, and review their work * Review and ...

... book using electronic workflow * Prepare and code manuscripts for design and typesetting * Hire and supervise freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers, and review their work * Review and ...

Assistin editing book manuscripts; identifying and overseeing freelancers, electroniccoding and ... Work activities requireinterfacing with freelancers (copy editors, proofreaders, indexers, etc ...

Assistin editing book manuscripts; identifying and overseeing freelancers, electroniccoding and ... Work activities requireinterfacing with freelancers (copy editors, proofreaders, indexers, etc ...

Editor, Academic Books

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Managing book projects through the editing, typesetting, proofreading, and indexing phases ... Engaging and reviewing the work of freelance proofreaders and indexers * Working through projects ...

Production Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$58K - $62K/yr

... bound book, working closely with Production, Managing Editorial, Editorial, Design, and Ebook ... Engage and manage freelance copyeditors/proofreaders/indexers; ensure adherence to house style ...

Freelance Book Indexing information

See salary details

$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance book indexing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance book indexing in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Freelance Book Indexing job?

A Freelance Book Indexing job involves creating an organized, detailed index for books to help readers quickly locate information. Indexers analyze the book's content, identify key terms and concepts, and structure them in a meaningful way. They usually work independently for publishers, authors, or academic institutions. Strong attention to detail, subject knowledge, and indexing software proficiency are essential for success in this role.

Will AI replace indexers?

AI can assist freelance book indexers by automating some tasks like keyword extraction and initial drafts, but it is unlikely to fully replace human indexers due to the need for nuanced understanding, context, and subjective judgment. Skilled indexers use their expertise to create accurate, comprehensive indexes that AI tools cannot fully replicate. Therefore, human involvement remains essential in high-quality book indexing projects.

What jobs pay you to read books?

Freelance book indexing is a job that pays individuals to read and analyze books to create detailed subject and keyword indexes. Other related roles include book reviewing, editing, or proofreading, which also involve reading books as part of the job, often requiring strong reading comprehension and attention to detail.

What are the top 5 freelancing jobs?

Freelance book indexing is a specialized role involving organizing and creating detailed indexes for books, often requiring strong research and organizational skills. Common top freelancing jobs include web development, graphic design, writing and editing, digital marketing, and programming, which are in high demand across various industries. These roles typically require proficiency with relevant tools and platforms, flexible schedules, and the ability to work independently.

What are the typical challenges faced by freelance book indexers, and how can they be managed?

Freelance book indexers often face tight deadlines, particularly when working with publishers on multiple projects simultaneously, which requires careful scheduling and prioritization. Managing complex subject material and adhering to varying indexing styles or publisher guidelines can also present challenges, making it essential to clarify expectations with clients early in the process. Strong organizational skills and efficient use of indexing software can help streamline the workflow, while ongoing professional development ensures you stay current with industry standards. Networking with other indexers and joining professional associations can also provide valuable support and resources as you advance in your freelance career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Freelance Book Indexing position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Freelance Book Indexer, you should have excellent reading comprehension, attention to detail, and a solid grasp of language and subject categorization, often supported by training in indexing principles or library science. Familiarity with dedicated indexing software such as Cindex, SKY Index, or Macrex is commonly required, and certification from organizations like the American Society for Indexing can be advantageous. Strong time management, communication skills, and the ability to work independently make candidates stand out in this field. These skills ensure the production of accurate, user-friendly indexes that enhance a book’s usability and meet publisher deadlines.

How much do indexers get paid?

Freelance book indexers typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour or $1.50 to $4.00 per page, depending on experience, complexity, and client requirements. Payment rates can vary based on the project scope, deadlines, and whether the work is billed hourly or per project.
More about Freelance Book Indexing jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Book Indexing jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Book Indexing job openings:
What states have the most Freelance Book Indexing jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Book Indexing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Freelance Book Indexing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Production Editor

$62K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Hachette Book Group rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 19 rated publishing


Job description

The Hachette Book Group is seeking a Production Editor for its Workman imprints to manage 20-25 titles per year, from manuscript to bound book, as well as review reprints. The Production Editor will work closely with the editorial, design, and production teams, and will be responsible for managing a variety of nonfiction projects, such as cookbooks, decorating and design books, gardening books, travel books, self-help books, gift books, children's books, stationery, and more. This position will work across the Workman, Artisan, and Black Dog & Leventhal imprints. Please visit workman.com for more information.
Responsibilities:
  • Manage 20-25 original titles per year from manuscript transmittal to bound book using electronic workflow
  • Prepare and code manuscripts for design and typesetting
  • Hire and supervise freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers, and review their work
  • Review and collate author, editor, and proofreader corrections in Adobe Acrobat
  • Copyedit, proofread, and route jacket and cover materials from original copy through final proof
  • Work closely with various in-house departments including editorial, design, and production to troubleshoot and resolve problems that arise and ensure all deadlines are met
  • Comfortable working on books with accelerated schedules
  • Maintain high levels of accuracy throughout each project
  • Attend relevant department and interdepartmental meetings
Qualifications:
  • At least 5 years of production editorial experience required. Experience with heavily illustrated books required.
  • Excellent copyediting and proofreading skills
  • Strong computer skills, including using MS Word (track changes) and Adobe Acrobat (reviewing and collating electronic markup via PDF)
  • Knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style and conscious language guidelines
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
  • Must be detail- and accuracy-oriented and have the ability to balance many projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining high standards of quality
  • The ability to set and meet deadlines
  • Comfortable working independently and also as part of a team
  • Ability to identify, attract, and retain capable editorial freelancers a plus
  • Children's publishing experience a plus.
As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.
Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The compensation range for this position is $62,000-$66,000. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location - talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.
The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, health and dependent care FSA, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, travel assistance, 401(k), discretionary bonus program, PTO (15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.
Employment Type: Full-Time

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