2. Our workshop - an overview What makes a newsletter work? The editorial group Content Copywriting Photography Layout Feedback Looking forward

3. What makes a newsletter work?

4. Ownership Time Planning Strong content Input from across the organisation Careful selection of stories Use of images Strong design

5. What is the role of an editorial group?

6. The editorial group Eyes and ears of the community Breaking through the jargon Keeping it relevant Having a voice

7. The editorial group – getting it right The magic number – what is it? Independent co-ordination Takes all kinds …….fun

8. Playing your part Be an ambassador so people come to know you as their Keynotes contact. Attend editorial meetings to build a relationship with the group. Listen to what’s going on between meetings and keep a note of things that might be suitable. Get involved in group meetings- no suggestion is wrong. Encourage others to contribute or join.

9. Getting people on board Spreading the word Social media Making a difference Great way to meet others Good for CV

10. Knowing your aims

11. The creative process

12. Having a strategy

13. So who are your readers?  Gender  Age  Location  Employment  Family type

14. But what are they really like?

15. A clear message

16. Getting down to work PART TWO:

17. Content: Balance of stories Judge every story on its own merits Mindset of the reader: John Jones at no.52. The pub test. Bringing stories to life- human stories, fact boxes, case studies.

18. What makes a story?

19. Your views? Information on policies How you can be involved Competitions Tenant group and member news Advertising (dates and events) Progress reports Details about other organisations Useful tips eg energy-saving, debt advice

20. Regular features To develop an identity and become known by reader. Need to keep them fresh. Eg recipe corner, day in the life, behind the scenes, competitions.

21. Copywriting – your role Plain English test. Helping collate information. Finding examples. Judging whether a story is relevant. Identifying any gaps. Proof-reading. Point of contact for the copywriter.

22. Images Photography v illustrations Don’t forget your camera! Spreading the word Tips on the kind of images

23. Design checklist Does it work? Is it clear? Do you like the images? Is the balance and ordering right?

24. Summary Strong editorial group can make a real difference. Fine balance to strike between content, design and images. The group is the eyes and ears of the publication. Getting people on board is key. Enjoy it!

25. Conclusion An editorial group is constantly evolving. Important to keep an eye on what others are doing. Listen to what’s going on around you between meetings. Know your aims and you’re on the right track. Don’t be afraid to make suggestions.