Newsletter Tips from the Northern Literacy Desktop Publishing Centre

Reprinted with kind permission!

Is it time to give your newsletter a fresh new look? Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Avoid boxing in each article; save the box for really important information
• Use no more than three different fonts: one "sans serif " for headings, one "serif" for body text and one other for special items like notices and announcements
• Use graphics that add to the text, don't use them just to fill white space
• Treat headings consistently
• Group similar items together and/or have sections that are easily identified
• Photos are nice but if they turn out too dark to be recognized it's better to leave them out

The best advice: experiment. Make design changes to the elements on your pages one at a time, print the revised page and assess the impact by asking for a second opinion.

Remember, less is more!

Tips on Publishing Learner Writing

Are you thinking of publishing learner writing? If so, here are some tips from the Northern Literacy Desktop Publishers.

Planning Phase

Decide on the finished size of your publication before you start - there are many options besides the 8 ½ by 11 format. Check with your printer about what size is most cost-efficient.

Will you produce the book in-house or send it out? If doing work in-house, does your copier produce crisp and clear copies? If not, consider taking it to a print shop.

If using a print shop, will your book be reproduced by photocopy or off-set press? Your budget and the number of copies you need will determine which method you choose.

How will you bind the book? Speak to the people who will do the binding as there are different requirements for using cerlox, coil, thermal or staple (saddle-stitch) binding.

Production Phase

• Type the material in a larger, serif font, e.g.; 14 point Times.
• Use 1.5 line spacing if you have lots of text per page, use single spacing if there is not much text per page.
• Have lots of white space on your page - look at other publications for inspiration on margin sizes.

What graphics, clip art or scanned original art will you choose? Be sure not to violate copyrights.

Check your software manual's index to see if you have facing pages/make booklet options - they make publishing multi-page documents fast and professional.

How will you promote your product? Consider applying for an ISBN number to assist booksellers.

Ourvoice - Newsletter of Community Literacy of Ontario