Content & Coverage

“In the final analysis, creative, fresh coverage and ladder arrangement could be the ticket to wake up the staff to a new and enjoyable way to look at the school year. Think people, not events.” Terry Nelson, yearbook adviser, Muncie Central High School, Muncie, Ind., Inspire Magazine, Fall 2008

Understanding the Audience A yearbook is a unique kind of book because the people purchasing the book are also the people featured in the book. You will be telling the stories for your entire student body, not just the yearbook staff. If all students are represented, all students will want the yearbook. These principles will guide what you will cover in the yearbook.

Section Divisions Divide the book into sections This will help organize and sort the content for easier readability This will provide an opportunity to further develop the theme

Yearbook Sections How much space for each section? SectionPercent Student Life25% Academics 12% Sports 18% Clubs & Organizations12 – 15% People 25 – 30% Theme Pages, Ads and Index Remaining Pages

Other Coverage Innovative – events based Chronological coverage –Fall –Winter –Spring –Summer (optional) –Ads

Student Life This is generally the opening section. The most flexible, most interesting and most fun to design. Can include: Summer Homecoming, spirit week, pep rallies, spring break and graduation Trends in fashion, music, technology and entertainment Current events Other events of interest to the students

Academics The student life section of the classroom. The most important section of the book. Consider –new classes being offered. –focus on presentations, labs, hands-on activity, study groups, field trips and performances. –Photography that shows a variety of academic areas and angles.

Sports Arrange the section chronologically or by importance at the school. Cover all sports fairly. Covers the highs and lows of each season. Should have a group shot and a season scoreboard for each team. Show the tensions and competition of the sport.

Sports Plan to cover sports fans, managers and trainers. Look for a record-breaking feat. Profile players who exceeded expectations. Describe what it was like to get across the goal line or make a free throw that won the game.

Clubs & Organizations Planning considerations: Use small group shots in the index, and place copy and photos that go with the spread next to each organization. Follow up with a “Fast Facts” section about the club that includes information about the number of students, club activities, fundraisers, officers’ names and a quote from a member. Devote one page or spread per organization. At the photo shoot, get the names for all group members according to the row that they were sitting in before they leave.

People People section is three sections in one: seniors, underclass, teachers and staff. Considerations: Seniors – usually larger photos. Underclass portraits in a solid panel grouped by teacher or grade. Stories and coverage (designed appropriately within the space around the portraits). May include alternative coverage such as surveys, profiles, quote boxes and other coverage.

Alternative Coverage Allows for coverage of more students who may not be in a club or on a team. Question & Answer Top Ten Sidebar Quiz with answer Survey Poll Checklist

Alternative Coverage Factoid Map Interview story Personal profile Step-by-step guide Quote box Timeline

Review Printing Terms Signature – the 16 sequential pages that are printed on both sides of a press sheet. Ladder diagrams are color coded to show which pages are on a flat and where one signature ends and the next one begins. Flat – the eight pages that are printed on one side of a press sheet. Spread - The ladder diagram shows you two facing pages which is called a spread. Natural Spread. Some diagrams also show you the “natural spread” which is the two center pages of a signature.

Ladder Diagram A chart that helps the adviser and staff plan the subject and location of each yearbook page. It can be thought of as a master project plan and is the simplest way to see what is on each spread (the two facing pages in the book).

Using the Ladder Start by recording the theme and number of division pages on the ladder. Identify process color or spot color flats or signatures (sold in 8 page increments). Leave the number of spreads allocated for each section open. Mark the deadline dates on the diagram and back out the dates you’ll need the pages to review before submission. Late or missed submissions may result in extra charges or missed delivery dates.

Step by Step Ladder Planning Determine the number of pages in your yearbook. Note color, black and white and spot color if applicable. Allocate the number of pages needed for theme. You may include the title page, the last page, the opening spread, the closing spread and dividers for each section. Calculate the number of pages needed for the People section. –How many students are in each grade? –How many portraits will you put on each page? –How are you handling the faculty? –How do you treat the seniors?

Step by Step Ladder Planning Add the pages needed for sports. –Complete spread for each sport, varsity, JV and/or freshmen? –Single pages for each minor sport? Estimate the number of ad and index pages required. Use last year’s book, but adjust for budget requirements if necessary. Distribute your remaining pages among the other sections of your book

Step by Step Ladder Planning Calculate the number of pages for each section and make sure your coverage is fair and balanced. Example: Pages in yearbook: 160 Theme pages: -10 People pages: -84 Sports pages: -30 Ad/Index pages: -12 Pages Remaining: 24 Check last year’s book. Did you forget anything?

The Ladder Diagram Make this your motto: Put it on paper. Enter it on the computer. Hang it on a wall. Use it every day.