Sign in

Paula Clarke Bain

@baindex.org
2.8K followers 3.8K following 816 posts

Book indexer, editor, boss at baindex.org | Society of Indexers Chair and Fellow | CIEP APM | Cryptic crossword novice setter Pixie | Stockport, UK 🧚🏻 www.mycrossword.co.uk/Pixie See also @indexers.bsky.social www.indexers.org.uk #IndexSky

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Society of Indexers @indexers.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Bookings are now open for #SIConf26, online from 11-12 November. Join us to discuss how as indexers we can connect and collaborate. Explore the programme and book your place via buff.ly/aoZu0RT
indexers.org.uk
Conference 2026 ‘On the Same Page’
Conference programme The Society of Indexers' 2026 online conference will take place via Zoom on 11–12 November 2026. We will have a full programme over two day
012
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 12/09/2026
Enjoying the CIEP Conference 2026 ‘More than words: The evolving role of the editorial professional’. Today I present ‘Index in progress: The ancient art and modern science of book indexing’. Past, present, future, with tips, exercises and cautionary tales. #CIEP2026 #IndexSky @the-ciep.bsky.social
Colour promo flyer with a blurred background photo of delegates at a conference and an inset circular headshot photo of a smiling brunette woman (Paula Clarke Bain) as a speaker.

CIEP Conference 2026
11 and 12 September
In-person | online
I'm speaking at the CIEP Conference 2026
Join us at ciep.uk
#CIEP2026
ciep logo
Chartered Institute of Editing and ProofreadingA CIEP conference lanyard and delegate badge for
Paula Clarke Bain
Delegate speaker
on top of an exercises handout with the Society of Indexers logo .
0152
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 29/08/2026
Anyone have any indexing horror stories they care to share please for a presentation I’m doing soon? Like what can happen between index submission and what actually got printed in the book. I do have some examples of my own, which still make me shudder. 😱 #IndexSky
Black and white still image from the 1935 film Bride of Frankenstein of Elsa Lanchester with a white lightning streak in her dark conical hairdo. She is looking upwards and screaming.
199
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 28/08/2026
Great to have another Fellow of the Society of Indexers @indexers.bsky.social, the highest membership grade, requiring proven CPD, self-evaluation and tutor feedback on a published index. Well done and congratulations, Tanya @tanyaizzard.bsky.social.
040
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 26/08/2026
I feel lucky to be on this planet at the same time as Bob, let alone in the same park.
000
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Society of Indexers @indexers.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Today's the deadline to submit your proposal for our 2026 conference. #SIConf26 will be held online on 11 and 12 November, and our theme this year is collaboration in indexing. Find out more and submit your proposal via www.indexers.org.uk/training-dev...
indexers.org.uk
Conference 2026 ‘On the Same Page’
Call for contributions The Society of Indexers invites contributions for our 2026 online conference, taking place via Zoom on 11–12 November 2026. We will have
034
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 22/08/2026
Excellent. They’re making a lot of Europe very happy this summer.
020
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 22/08/2026
A beautiful night. Forecast rain didn’t arrive but we still had the clouds for the sunset.
010
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 22/08/2026
Blown away by The Cure at Wythenshawe Park in Manchester. Robert Smith in fine form and that voice. Phenomenal. 🖤
The Cure on stage at Wythenshawe Park in Manchester, UK. Two large screens each side of the stage show the singer Robert Smith. The cloudy sky is turning orange in a beautiful sunset.The Cure on stage at Wythenshawe Park with singer Robert Smith in close-up on the side screens. The stage is lit in purple and green against the dark night sky and park trees. A large screen behind the band shows a spider in a web for the song ‘Lullaby’.
3140
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 10/08/2026
Thanks very much for the tag-in there. I have now sent some details on the original thread.
000
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 10/08/2026
Hello. I got tagged into this. You can see the Society of Indexers @indexers.bsky.social recommended indexing rates below for an idea on costs. We also have a searchable directory of trained professional indexers on that website. Happy to help more if I can. www.indexers.org.uk/find-an-inde...
indexers.org.uk
Indexing fees
Indexing fees. Recommended rates.
140
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Society of Indexers @indexers.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Do you have something to say about collaboration in book indexing? Propose a plenary talk, a breakout session or a lightning talk for #SIConf26! This takes place online on 11 & 12 November, and our theme is collaboration. Find out more and submit your proposal via buff.ly/rE0nbGI
indexers.org.uk
Conference 2026 ‘On the Same Page’
Call for contributions The Society of Indexers invites contributions for our 2026 online conference, taking place via Zoom on 11–12 November 2026. We will have
013
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 06/08/2026
An enjoyably lively Zoom chat on passing mentions with @indexers.bsky.social yesterday, sharing the 300 years of experience between the attendees. I was about a twelfth of that total. #IndexSky
050
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 03/08/2026
Nice spot, thanks Nicola. Great to see it still travelling the world!
010
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Nicola King @nicolaking.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
OMG @djbduncan.bsky.social @baindex.org - an airport read now!
3141
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 01/08/2026
George Fouracres on British Pork. He had no chance. #SNLUK m.youtube.com/shorts/KKMyy...
m.youtube.com
The SNL UK British pork sketch...
YouTube video by The Chris Moyles Show On Radio X
021
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 01/08/2026
British Pork from SNL UK. What’s it got? It’s got the lot. Love to see this official upload at last and still willing George Fouracres on to the end. #SNLUK www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWdQ...
youtube.com
British Pork: It’s Got the Lot | SNL UK
YouTube video by Saturday Night Live UK
150
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 28/07/2026
Indexer on a train, July 2026. Heading to London to represent @indexers.bsky.social in a publishing vodcast / video podcast. Will share more details when it’s out. #IndexSky
View from a train window of blue sky, green trees and yellow grass. On the train seat table are a black travel mug, blue pen, teal notebook and a paperback copy of the book They by Kay Dick.
0121
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
GwedLid (Fisto to my mates) @gwedlid.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
RIP Bill Oddie. Legend.
191413380
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Society of Indexers @indexers.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
What are the distinctive challenges of indexing books about music or dance? Our Coffee Morning on 16 July looked at this topic, with presentations by Marian Aird, @baindex.org, and Pauline Hubner.
1103
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 25/07/2026
This wood pigeon landed on my head earlier. Is that lucky? 🐦
Photo of a wood pigeon standing on the edge of a round metallic garden table and looking at the camera by a fence covered in green Virginia creeper.
0140
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Society of Indexers @indexers.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
How can indexers work best with books that cover challenging or upsetting subjects? Indexer @tanyaizzard.bsky.social discusses ways to support yourself if you're working with material you find difficult: buff.ly/GMf5ZeX
indexers.org.uk
Indexing difficult topics
There are all sorts of books about topics that indexers might find difficult. There are histories and memoirs of atrocities and traumas; medical textbooks descr
062
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 18/07/2026
Manchester Recorder Orchestra return to Buxton Festival Fringe for their silver anniversary (25th) #BuxtonFringe concert tonight. I’ll be tootling my tenor again. @buxtonfringe.bsky.social
Buxton Festival Fringe 2026 programme entry and photo of MRO conductor and players.
MRO SILVER ANNIVERSARY
Manchester Recorder Orchestra
Fringe veterans and 2025 Music category
winners the Manchester Recorder Orchestra return for their silver anniversary (25th) Fringe concert performing a variety of music for large recorder ensemble. The programme includes the well-known Bach Toccata and Fugue, Blooz (!), atmospheric contemporary arrangements and a brand-new symphony featuring solo Sylphyo.
(New Writing)
Trinity Church 18 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm
£10 (Child Free, Conc £9), Ages 8+
Tickets on the door.
191
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 18/07/2026
A full night of comedy delights at Buxton Working Men’s Club (or underneath it) from Barrel of Laughs and then local/global legend Kate Butch. I love Buxton Fringe. 😻 @buxtonfringe.bsky.social @undergroundvenues.bsky.social @thekatebutch.bsky.social
Drag queen Kate Butch on the Underground stage at Buxton Working Men’s Club in a black wig, glittery heels and a dress covered in cats.
131
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 16/07/2026
An enjoyable Coffee Morning Zoom today with @indexers.bsky.social (with thanks to host Ruth Martin). Marian Aird, Pauline Hubner and I presented on indexing books on music and dance. Here’s a few of my trickier indexes on Stephen Dodgson, Josephine Baker and Katherine Dunham. #IndexSky
Front cover of the book Born by the Thames: Stephen Dodgson – A Centenary Celebration (eds Oliver Chandler and Thomas Hyde). It features a black and white photo of the composer.An index page from the book Born by the Thames, showing the end of the alphabetical works index, and the start of the works index by instrument/type.Front cover of the book Josephine Baker and Katherine Dunham: Dances in Literature and Culture by Hannah Durkin. The cover features a black and white photo of each dancer.An index page from the book Josephine Baker and Katherine Dunham, showing the lengthy entry for Baker, Josephine and its surrounding entries.
053
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Kath @kathyburke.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
At least we don’t have to listen to wonderwall.
411497235
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 15/07/2026
What a picture. This moorland wildfire smoke is sometimes blowing our way (Stockport, Greater Manchester). I have stocked up on face masks.
040
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Jennifer Williams @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Manchester smells like it’s been barbecued
15709
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 14/07/2026
Ha, careful now! And quite so. That’s something that has kept on getting better for me over time. I get offered more interesting projects, and I can be more selective with what I take on, so they’re (almost) always really good ones, thankfully.
010
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 14/07/2026
And another vote here for ‘Yes, we do have to read the whole book’. @indexers.bsky.social #IndexSky
1156
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
McNaughtan's Bookshop @mcnaughtans.co.uk · 04/07/2026
In the absence of an index, simply read the book cover to cover several times, advises William Robb, enfeebled author.
22912
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 13/07/2026
That’s a beauty.
010
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
I’m Dave Williams. You’re probably not @skirwingle.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
A great actor is all men, somehow (3,5) #cryptic #crossword
1326978
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 09/07/2026
Ha, cheers Dennis. I’ve had a few alerts about that one today and maybe more to follow!
030
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 09/07/2026
I’ve been sent this several times already for some reason. From today’s Guardian cryptic crossword 30,054 set by Brendan. www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Screenshot of Guardian cryptic crossword grid no. 30,054.
Set by: Brendan
Thu 9 Jul 2026 00.00 BST
The highlighted clue is:
9 Across Last part of book, perhaps, some find exciting (5)
0180
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Dennis Duncan @djbduncan.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
One for @baindex.org
1101
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 07/07/2026
John Oliver getting his soap slap on General Hospital. I love everything about this.
050
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 06/07/2026
The UK Society of Indexers’ Directory of Professional Indexers @indexers.bsky.social lists our trained and accredited freelance book indexers. I can also drop you an email to try to find the right one (with that pleasing subject line). www.indexers.org.uk/find-an-inde...
indexers.org.uk
SI Directory of Professional Indexers
Directory of professional indexers. To find an indexer by subject specialism, select a subject using the drop-down menu.
050
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Rachel Playforth @archelina.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
On our #CrypticSunday stream today, we're tackling 22 different MyCrossword setters! One cryptic was entirely set by emaherself, and one by 21 people collaborating as Platypus, led by @tpgrammar.bsky.social. Join us at 12 noon BST! twitch.tv/crypticsunday
twitch.tv
CrypticSunday - Twitch
Hello we are Matt and Rachel.We stream cryptic crosswords almost every Sunday at 12pm UK time.
1187
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 03/07/2026
A pleasure as always to create the index to Revolutionary Subjects for Benjamin Kohlmann. I have now indexed four of his books on literature, and a fifth is in the pipeline.
072
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Duke University Press @dukepress.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
As we head into a long holiday weekend in the US, our staff share their summer reading recommendations, including books by @glumghost.bsky.social and @djbduncan.bsky.social ... and Moby Dick! buff.ly/bBLLeqj
Covers of Index, A History of the; Lake Effect, Lovers' Leap; Moby Dick; Tartufo; and Yesteryear, arranged in a 3x3 grid.
0104
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Society of Indexers @indexers.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
This morning’s Talking About the Past Zoom session was about indexing local history. Ann Hudson, who has years of experience of indexing this area, talked us through the issues and shared some fascinating examples from her own work.
132
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 25/06/2026
A like there for the poetic outcome but not the ongoing cause.
110
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Rishi Dastidar @betarish.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Seeing that map has lead to this:
Severe alert canopy

England is draped in weather warnings.
An info-brolly of extreme storms, stress and doom.
Blue skies can hate us, this truth is dawning
as England is draped in weather warnings.
Peril, stress and temps are soaring, causing
rapid retreats to cooler (they hope) rooms.
England is draped in weather warnings.
An info-brolly of extreme storms, stress and doom.


RD  25 / vi / 26
171
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Society of Indexers @indexers.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
In our latest blog post, our panel of expert indexers discuss pushing their professional boundaries. When is it a good idea to stretch yourself and take on something different or challenging? And conversely, when is it a good idea to know your limits?
buff.ly
Ask the Indexers: pushing your professional boundaries
For today’s blog post, we asked our panel of indexers about projects outside their comfort zone – whether in terms of the type of book, type of indexing or subj
031
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 24/06/2026
How this freelancer is getting through the latest heatwave. Work early, then siesta.
080
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
A Laugh in Stockport Comedy Club @alaughinstockport.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Comedy murder-mystery returns to Stockport next month. Murder Inc presents: FASHION VICTIM – a murder-mystery set at fashion show! Wednesday 22nd July @ Thread. Tickets on sale now: wegottickets.com/f/22040 #stockport #comedy #improv #murdermystery
042
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Tom Phillips @tom-phillips.com · 19/06/2026
In accordance with ancient tradition, our next Prime Minister is announced to the nation while standing between a furry and a man with a bin on his head.
A victorious Andy Burnham MP (24,937 votes), as the result of the Makerfield by-election is announced, flanked by defeated candidates Count Binface (a bloke in a vaguely sci-fi costume with a large bin for a helmet; 95 votes) and Robert Pownall (who is in a full body fox costume, holding a sign reading "Protect British Wildlife"; 18 votes). There are some other candidates there just out of shot but that's not important right now.

Photo: Jon Super/AP
673912923
Paula Clarke Bain @baindex.org · 17/06/2026
‘The Other Side: Only Connect’ 1979 play by Noel Greig and Drew Griffiths from Gay Sweatshop is on BBC Four tonight. It’s preceded by an introduction by its commissioner/producer W Stephen Gilbert, who is now a book indexer and active member of @indexers.bsky.social.
021
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Society of Indexers @indexers.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Obviously, we say hire a professional indexer. But you might find our information for authors useful: www.indexers.org.uk/about-indexi..., especially the linked blog posts from @baindex.org and @tanyaizzard.bsky.social
indexers.org.uk
Authors and indexes
Some authors feel that they are the best people to index their own books, as they are the experts on the subject matter and familiar with the books' structure.
1146