Four Yearbook Tips For Every Yearbook Advisor8568013
A school yearbook is a publication with a ready audience, eager to purchase the volume, even doing so in advance. However a wise yearbook advisor knows that there are many things to attend to. Poor choices along the way can lead to an whole student body that is unhappy with a book that they had hoped to cherish. How can such a catastrophe be avoided? All of the tips any yearbook advisor should take to heart begin with planning.
Tip #1 - Plan who will do the work
Early in the school year the decision should be made as to the yearbook publisher. There is no way to overcome problems that will arise due to procrastination. The school should have historical data as to the usual purchase rate for annuals. Samples from various publishers, with printing costs, can guide selection of the company to be used. Well known publishers such as Jostens, Entourage Yearbooks, Lifetouch, and Taylor Publishing have longstanding reputations for quality work. Be sure to inquire about specials such as cover upgrades or price breaks for changing from black and white to color. Once a selling price is set, a budget can be worked out. This will serve as a financial plan for the project
Tip #2 - Plan what the book will look like
This is the most critical issue to students. The yearbook should include all the important memories of the school year. It is the advisor's responsibility to see that these are presented in an organized and total way. A yearbook can be made fascinating by tying all the sections with each other with a theme. The theme can be almost something, but it should be constant throughout the volume. The sections of the book should consist of all of the activities that are essential to school life. Even if only 2% of the student body participates in a particular club, there will be unhappy customers (and their parents) if that organization is left out of the yearbook. Produce a sample layout for the sections, planning the number, size and style of photos. This plan will guide the actual work.
Tip #3 - Plan and execute the collection of supplies
Decide early on aspects of data collection. What software will be used to lay out the volume? The publisher will have formats that they will accept. Make sure that the editors know how to use the software and do a test run to be sure the publisher is receiving sample pages accurately. Choose who will do the photography, writing, and recording of names for labeling the pictures. Person shots will usually be taken professionally, and at least one backup date will need to be scheduled for retakes and to cover absences. Who will take candid shots, and what will be their general style?
Tip #4 - Plan for and meet all deadlines
Create a time line with the numerous deadlines prescribed by the printer. Know when photographs, copy and art work is due and submit it on time, even early. Things usually go wrong and publishers can be most flexible when errors are found early. Be certain the editorial staff understands when their portions of the project are due.
