1. Creating Newsletters

2. 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. 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. 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. Getting Started Determine: Purpose Audience Frequency of publication Number of copies Cost & affordability Designers, editors, and writers Distribution How to measure success

6. 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. Encouraging Contribution Ask members to write and plan Ask for announcements and stories Reprint coalition news coverage Borrow from other materials

8. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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