The best way to plan for the year is by reviewing what needs to be done globally as an adviser and yearbook staff. On the next few pages, you will find a generalized list of activities involving both production and business aspects of the yearbook. Be aware that there are two delivery periods for a yearbook—either May or September. This schedule focuses on a SPRING delivery yearbook.
August – SPRING DELIVERY
• Launch advertising campaign, complete predesign of ads and develop ad section.
• Finalize specifications, cost for the book, agree on how payment for the yearbook will be made, and make sure you have completed the Yearbook Sign-up Form with your yearbook representative.
• Open Yearbook Kit upon arrival and read instruction book included. Mark the DEADLINE DATE FOR SUBMITTING YOUR YEARBOOK to the yearbook plant on your calendar.
• Meet with portrait photographer to understand photo shoot and retake dates.
• Polish and refine theme and section plans for your yearbook.
• Plan a ladder and coverage ideas.
• Initiate back-to-school reporting and photography.
• Take inventory on all software & hardware for the year.
• Design layouts for each section to help photographers and allow for total coverage.
SEPTEMBER – SPRING DELIVERY
• Finalize staff organization & responsibilities
• Set up & maintain complete sports files, & survey clubs to find out their activities
• Assign coverage for all deadlines
• Finalize the ladder
• Report & photograph activities & events as they happen
• Finalize theme use throughout the book
• Close advertising campaign sales & begin production work on the section
• Follow through on portraits
• Plan book sales campaign
• Complete any billing and layout designs for any advertisers
• Review interviewing techniques
NOTE: If you have received FALL DELIVERY Yearbooks, distribute the books.
OCTOBER – SPRING DELIVERY
• Report & photograph activities and events as they happen
• Meet deadlines according to the production schedule
• Finalize the academics and student life spreads
• Finalize portrait photography with retakes completed this month
• Complete theme including cover, endsheets, opening, closing, & dividers
• Make sure each staffer knows the indexing process
• Plan a book sales campaign
NOVEMBER – SPRING DELIVERY
• Report and photograph activities and events as they happen
• Meet deadlines and check materials according to the production schedule
• Complete fall sports coverage and the people section
• Keep up with winter sports
• Plan a book sales campaign
• Finalize plans for the club section and continue work on the student life section
• Have a deadline & Thanksgiving celebration!
DECEMBER – SPRING DELIVERY
• Report and photograph activities and events as they happen
• Meet deadlines and check materials according to the production schedule
• Focus on the club section, remaining sports spreads and final student life coverage
• Plan a book sales campaign and tie it in with the holidays; collect any outstanding balances due on the yearbook
• Plan a book sales campaign and tie it in with the holidays; yearbooks make great holiday gifts. Contact parents with opportunity to purchase a yearbook as a gift for their student
• Keep up with winter sports
• Have a deadline and Holiday party!