Plan now to keep yearbook work flowing over the holidays

Updated by Walsworth Yearbooks

The holiday season is here, but you are probably well aware that a little yearbook work needs to be mixed in with all the upcoming festivities and family time.

Now is a great time to plan student life coverage for the winter break. Editors need to put into place plans to review spreads and proofs while meeting any deadlines.

Here are some tips for advisers and editors to keep the work moving.

• Meet if you need to. Editors may need to meet once or twice during the break. You could meet in a coffee shop or consider using Zoom. Google Docs and other such tools provide an easy way to keep tabs on stories and brainstorming ideas.
• Help staff continue working. Make sure you know what every staff member is working on before school lets out. Review with them what tools they will need to complete their work while at home, such as access to Google Docs or Online Design, a list of student and faculty names to check spellings, and access to the AP Stylebook and your staff style manual.
• Have a proofing plan. If you use InDesign, you will need to a plan to get proofs read and returned to the plant promptly. If you use Online Design, tell your staff how they can use the Message Center to let you know a spread is ready for proofing.

Finding those creative stories over the holidays can help your yearbook really stand out this school year. Enjoy the holidays and be sure to come back rested for another semester of yearbook fun!