Basic Indexing Workshop  

Although we all agree on the importance of a good index, many technical writers find themselves in the position of having to produce an index in a short amount of time with no training or experience. If you have ever been in this situation or anticpate ever being in this situation, this workshop is for you. You’ll learn the six steps required to produce an index that is thorough and easy to use. Then you’ll practice two of those steps: selecting index entries and refining the rough draft of the index. Finally you’ll compare your individual efforts to the rest of the group to see how you did, what more you could have done, and what you can suggest to the rest of the group.

Winsberg, Freya Y. STC Proceedings (1999). Articles>Indexing

Hiring Technical Writers: Are We Looking for the Right Skills?  

Winsberg argues that the most valuable employees are those with a work ethic and analytical, organizational, and writing skills, rather than those with specific software experience.

Winsberg, Freya Y. Intercom (2000). Careers>Management

How to Win Information and Influence Technical Experts  

Working with technical experts can be difficult, but it is an essential part of every technical writer’s job. Establishing an effective relationship with the technical experts assigned to your project and maintaining that relationship throughout the project and beyond requires some special techniques: getting off to a good start, winning their confidence, winning their respect, making them understand your situation, making the experience pleasant, helping them look good and establishing an efficient working relationship.

Winsberg, Freya Y. STC Proceedings (1995). Articles>Collaboration

Indexing Workshop  

Although we all agree on the importance of a good index, many technical writers find themselves in the position of having to produce an index in a short amount of time with no training or experience.

Winsberg, Freya Y. STC Proceedings (1997). Articles>Indexing>Editing

Six Steps to Producing an Index  

If something does not appear in the index, it might as well not be in the book because the reader may never find it. Writing a complete index takes time and patience. Writing an index that is consistent and effective requires refinement and common sense. Here are six steps that will get you through the process.

Winsberg, Freya Y. STC Proceedings (1996). Articles>Indexing>Editing