Podcast 3, Part 1 of 2 – An overview of the entire yearbook process.

Today’s episode is sponsored by YearbookLife

This is episode number 3 of Yearbooks Live. Today we want to give you a quick overview of the entire yearbook process.  What you should expect and prepare for from day one until you have your yearbooks delivered.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed taking on a project as big as a yearbook. Our goal is to give you the tools and resources necessary to help you feel equipped to take it on. Remember, no two schools are alike, and you can take any piece of what we share and make it your own. Whatever the case you may be facing, be assured that you are not alone. We hope we can help you better prepare for the year.

Here is a quick overview of the basic steps you’ll want to go through to produce your yearbook:

Contact Your Publisher/Representative

This sounds like a simple step, and it is, but you will be surprised how many yearbook advisers fail to do this early in the school year.

Agree on your Yearbook Specifications & Budget

Specifications are the key to developing a budget. Reviewprevious year’s program and determine if you will repeat the same school yearbook order for amount of books and number of pages.

Choose Your Yearbook Delivery Week & Know Your Deadline

Give your desired delivery date to your yearbook representative when you sign up.

Review Your Yearbook Kit

Not every publisher offers a yearbook kit but if yours does,  be sure to review it. It will contain everything you need to complete your yearbook project including the software guide, Design Guide, sales tools and more. MAKE SURE TO REVIEW ALL MATERIALS

Organize your Yearbook Team/Staff

Once you have agreed to a budget and deadline schedule, begin to organize your yearbook staff/team.

Get your Portrait  data file (PSPA format)

A large part of your yearbook will be your portrait pages. The portrait data your photographer provides must follow a national standard developed by the PSPA or similar format.

Plan your Yearbook & Options Sales Strategy

After you have signed up for your yearbook and agreed on a yearbook budget, plan your yearbook sales strategy.

Next episode reviews Part 2 of the yearbook process