Creating Newsletters
What is a newsletter? A printed report of information and ideas Distributed regularly to a group of interested people Typically 2-8 pages long Vary considerably in cost, quality, and content
Why should you create a newsletter? To update and educate To build cohesion To increase interest and recognition To provide a forum for information exchange Announcements For meeting summaries
When should you create a newsletter? When you want to -- Regularly provide information to groups Educate the community Attract new members Motivate members Get feedback Increase recognition and credibility
Getting Started Determine: Purpose Audience Frequency of publication Number of copies Cost & affordability Designers, editors, and writers Distribution How to measure success
Development Steps Decide on issue contents Design the layout Write the articles Edit the articles Have outsiders proofread Take final copy to printer Distribute Get feedback
Encouraging Contribution Ask members to write and plan Ask for announcements and stories Reprint coalition news coverage Borrow from other materials
The Masthead The title on the front page of a newsletter Keep the title short and catchy Include the organization's logo or symbol as part of the title Request a designers input for the logo
Font For text, use serif fonts For the headlines, use sans serif fonts Refrain from using multiple fonts on a single page Use italics sparingly Justify type for two or more columns
Headline The short title or summary of the article's main ideas Print headlines in the same color as the article Set them like sentences without periods
Articles Explain events, issues and plans Write at about an 8th-grade reading level Font size points Choose topics that are interesting and enjoyable Determine audience Begin by organizing ideas Simplify Use examples Always proofread
Layout basics 2-3 columns per 8 1/2" x 11" page 3-4 articles per page Use white space effectively Check the balance of pages Use graphics, clip art, or photographs 6 pages or less Be consistent
Production Involve printer in all details Choose paper with neutral colors Consider a 2nd "spot color" Ask for standard paper size Learn printing vocabulary The final decisions are yours
Cost saving tips Consider advertising Non-profit status lowers postage rates Bulk mailing and bar codes Find mailing alternatives Edit continuously Publish sparingly Ask how to cut costs