This universal outline
can be adapted to any bulletin
regardless of its size,
content, and frequency.
The key to achieving quality
bulletin production is planning.
I. Consistency -editorially
and graphically- is the
foundation for success.
Developing detailed, easy
to follow style sheets (which
are like the instructions
that come with a sewing
pattern) is crucial to the
process. Each style sheet
should be as simple and
comprehensive as possible
to fully describe the editorial
style, headline style, photo
utilization, and graphics
style your publication uses.
A. Editorially, use a published
style manual such as the
Associated Press Style and
Libel Manual for answers
to questions about punctuation,
capitalization, abbreviations
and other word use rules
that bring consistency to
your publication.
B. Develop a simple headline
schedule and style sheets
that lists the fonts and
weights your bulletin uses
(e.g., Helvetica regular,
bold and italic) and type
sizes.
C. Develop a sheet that
describes the grid system
your publication uses: numbers
of columns, column widths,
size of the top, bottom
and side margins and column
gutters; consistent spacing
between elements (headlines
and body copy, photo and
cutlines); standing elements
such as borders, column
rules, shaded boxes; any
other variables that need
consistency.
D. Spell out guidelines
for using photos, graphics,
and cutlines.
E. Make photocopies of
these style sheets and keep
them in a loose-leaf notebook
to share with the people
who write for the bulletin
and editors in subsequent
fiscal years.
II. Make a list of the
elements and content that
are used consistently in
each issue, e.g., president's
message, treasurer's report,
director's photo and column,
bulletin nameplate, area
for mailing requirements
such as postage, return
address, mailing label.
List the sources for these
elements and deadlines beside
each item, in a checklist
format. Position these elements
in the same place in each
issue, if possible.
III. Create a mini-dummy
sheet for each page with
the standing elements indicated.
IV. In a checklist form,
list all the potential written
content for each issue.
Add source names, phone
numbers, and potential for
photos or artwork. Place
a deadline on each item.
Also indicate potential
length, or size, of each
element.
V. Once the content list
is complete, prioritize
the items, selecting the
top two or three for page
one.
VI. Make sure the lead
story on page one has a
photograph or artwork with
it. Prioritize front-page
stories and make sure headline
sizes reflect their relative
importance. Don't make all
the headlines the same size.
It is more important to
create a center of visual
impact on the front page
than on any other page of
the bulletin.
VII. Create a center of
visual impact on each page,
if possible. Does each page
have a "stop sign"
for the reader? Remember,
readers will look at photos
and read headlines and cutlines
before they read the articles
your bulletin contains.
VIII. Create a full-size
dummy for every page, clearly
indicating which stories,
art, and other elements
are to be used. Make sure
all the pages don't have
the same layout.
IX. Crop and size photos
and artwork, and write the
cutlines.
X. Write the headlines.
XI. Once each page is computer
produced, or pasted up,
check that it matches the
dummy.
A. Match the headline to
the stories.
B. Match the cutlines to
the photos and artwork.
C. Make sure dates, page
numbers, etc. are correct.
D. Read headlines and cutlines
to double check spelling.
