1. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Creating Newsletters

2. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas 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.

3. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas 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.

4. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas 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.

5. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Getting Started Determine: Purpose Audience Frequency of publication Number of copies Cost & affordability Designers, editors, and writers Distribution How to measure success

6. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas 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

7. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Encouraging Contribution Ask members to write and plan. Ask for announcements and stories. Reprint coalition news coverage. Borrow from other materials.

8. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas 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.

9. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas 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.

10. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas 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.

11. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Articles Explain events, issues and plans. Write at about an 8th-grade reading level. Font size 10 - 12 points. Choose topics that are interesting and enjoyable. Determine audience. Begin by organizing ideas. Simplify. Use examples. Always proofread.

12. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas 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

13. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas 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.

14. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas 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.