issuu Guide:
Digital Publishing for Student Journalists
Students: Get That Front-Row Seat on Life Four things to look forward to as a student storyteller:
1. Peers that are empowered, curious and motivated. 2. Elevating the voices of others. 3. An excuse to talk to fascinating people. 4. The chance to affect change at your school and beyond. Cover Publisher: Mad Sounds
Left
Publication: Take What Is Yours
Publisher: #Photography
Photographer: John Novotny
Publication: Issue 14
Have an Impact There are countless untold stories out there waiting for you to share with the world.
Publisher: Flash and Fuse Publication: Issue 2
Your voice is important. A story can combat ignorance, humanize people, expose corruption and destigmatize taboo topics. With writing, photography and design, you can capture the most hopeful of human endeavors — stories of strength and survival … of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds … of persevering in the face of extreme challenges.
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Not All Student Publications are Alike
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while others are text-heavy and sophisticated. To the right
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are a few magazine “types” and examples to give you a better
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Some are colorful and breezy,
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“You can’t tell me I wasn’t raped” (p . 15 ) Breaking the Si lence (p. 22) Taking it Serio usly (p. 24)
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Arts/Photography: Proof Magazine (Palo Alto High School)
YOUR MAG
Culture: Distraction Magazine (University of Miami)
Fashion: Unfold Magazine (John Moores University)
Minor Struggle, Major Payoff
Joc Pederson’s (‘10) journey has landed him on the world stage as he steps up to the plate as a Los Angeles Dodger. by ZOE BHARGAVA and BRYN CARLSON
pg. 38
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Providence Senior High School volume XXI | 2016
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VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 6 | APRIL/MAY 2016
Lifestyle: Your Mag (Emerson College)
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[proof]
Sports: The Viking (Palo Alto High School)
Lit Mag: Roars and Whispers (Providence High School)
Where We Come In We believe young journalists are the future in the same way that digital publishing is. In this student publishing guide, we’ll walk you through everything from designing an editorial calendar and selling advertising to reporting responsibly and defending yourself from censorship. As the media sphere changes, democratization of information allows individuals to be published journalists with the click of a button. That’s why we exist. With issuu, anyone can upload their publication in just minutes to be discoverable by a worldwide audience of readers.
Publisher: Mad Sounds Publication: Issue 15
This guide is designed to walk you through the digital publishing process in four steps:
1. Getting organized. 2. Honing your craft. 3. Learning Journalism 101. 4. Taking it one step further.
Publisher: Kneon Publication: Issue 10
Step 1: Organization Teamwork + Hierarchy = Squad Chances are there are some mighty-talented people on your school campus, and many are looking for ways to showcase their work, improve their skills or be a voice on campus. A successful magazine can utilize es
olv cal W o L : r l lishe Apri Pub ion: t a c i l Pub
photographers, illustrators, programmers, marketers, business people ‌ the list goes on. Appeal to the opportunity for your fellow peers to have their voices heard, develop new skills, create a portfolio of work, add a powerful experience to their
Publisher: Loca l Wolves Publication: Ap ril
resume and join a new social group.
Editor-in-Chief, a.k.a. Top Dog:
Section Editors:
• Directs the magazine’s overall vision.
• Oversees the design and content
• Educates the staff about journalistic
of their respective sections.
practice, ensuring top quality work
• Guides their section’s stories
is being published. • Facilitates staff discussions, enforces deadlines for each production cycle.
through the entire editorial process. • Maintains an expertise in their section’s topic.
Business Manager:
Creative Director:
• Finds creative ways to cover expenses,
• Develops and maintains the
such as publishing/editing programs,
publication’s overall design, from
travel costs and equipment.
fonts and layout to artistic feel.
• Tracks and utilizes a system for managing the flow of money.
• Aids in the development of specific design-heavy spreads.
Copy Editor:
Staff Writers:
• Ensures no spelling, grammar or style
• Constitutes the life of your publication.
mistakes slip through. • Stays well-versed in AP Style (a standard for all journalistic writing). • Is ultimately responsible for the validity of all facts published.
• Are creative, compelling writers, bold reporters and receptive to feedback. • A diverse group of writers that collectively can dive into an array of issues.
Step 1: Organization
Expansion Pack As your publication grows, you may need to add more structure to keep everything running smoothly. Web/Multimedia Editor: • Builds and updates website for digital outreach. • Drives new traffic with social media channels.
Managing Editor: • Acts as the second in command. • Provides guidance and knowledge to support staff writers and editors.
“The biggest thing if you’re going to be running a publication is organization. You have to make sure people understand what’s going on. If you can do that well, you’ll have a phenomenal staff and quality content.”
Publisher: The Eye Creative Publication: Issue 7
Katie Pickrell, 2016 Colorado Journalist of the Year National Runner-Up
Step 1: Organization
The Production Cycle Creating an Editorial Calendar In order to produce your magazine, you’ll need to do some planning. Start with the deadline for publishing your first issue, and work back from there. You’ll have to navigate a lot of small deadlines to publish on time. All the little details to cross off your list really add up faster than you think. Procrastination and magazine production don’t mix because there are so many interdependent pieces at play. On the next several pages, we’ll take you through the basic steps of the production process to help make your magazine a reality. Download an editable calendar checklist here.
Publisher: Frrresh Publication: Issue 38
Gathering the Story 1. Stories
2. Interviews
3. Visuals
// Have a group
// Interviews are
// Train your staff
brainstorming session
a journalist’s best tool
so everyone has basic
at the beginning of each
to collect accurate
photography skills
production cycle where
information.
and are able to shoot
all staff members share
// Always interview in
their own stories.
a list of ideas they have
person if possible,
// Seek skilled
for the next issue.
and arrive prepared
photographers and
// Editors and section
with background details
artists on your campus
editors should
and questions.
to join your team. Attract
collaboratively decide
// Be sure to record
them through calls
on which stories to run
the conversation (with
for submission.
with and who would
permission), and take
// TIP: Don’t scramble.
be best equipped
copious notes.
Think about visuals early
to write them.
// TIP: Read more about
on and try to get photos
// TIP: Students who are
how to conduct successful
during the initial stages
genuinely interested
interviews here.
of reporting.
in their assignment will try harder, so ask for input.
Refining 4. Editing
5. Consistency
6. Final Drafts
// Peer editing is the
// AP Style is the norm,
// It’s time for your copy
lifeblood of student
so every editor should
editor to go to town.
publications. Each article
be well versed in AP
Everyone should
should receive feedback
Stylebook rules and
be keeping an eye on AP
and edits from editors,
ensuring all stories
Stylebook rules and fact
fellow staff writers and
adhere to them.
checking to make sure
the copy editor. Although
// The editor-in-chief
everything you publish
this can be a lot of work,
should be looking over
is 100% accurate.
it will inevitably make
everything. In the end, they
you a better writer and
are responsible for what
improve your piece.
gets printed.
// Early checks in the
// Fact check, then check
editing process are critical
it again. Getting details
to make sure the piece is
right is essential.
going in the right direction.
// Resources:
// Resources:
AP Stylebook
Newswriting style guide
Fact checking guide
Long-form journalism guide
Assembly 7. Layout & Design
8. Final Copy Edits
together in a program like
// Either have a design
// After your page design
Preview or Adobe Acrobat.
team (can be section
is completely finished,
2. Use issuu Collaborate,
editors) put together
it’s time for the copy
which allows each individual
the whole publication,
editor to take one final
to upload their spread
or have each article laid
look and correct
onto an online flatplan, and
out and designed
any last silly mistakes
then download the entire
by its author.
or AP Stylebook errors.
magazine as a single PDF.
from fonts to images to
9. Final Assembly
11. Promote
layout. Seek inspiration
// You'll probably be
// Upload to issuu and
on issuu before beginning
working on individual
share your publication
this process.
documents, which makes
on social, embed
// Professionals use Adobe
it daunting when it’s time
it on your website and
InDesign, but Google Slides
to compile everything into
email it to all your
and Apple's Pages are
one big master document.
friends and family.
cheaper alternatives.
There are two solutions:
Celebrate, do a dance
// TIP: Employ the
1. Have everyone export
and take a nap.
principles of design, check
their documents in the
out this guide.
same format and put them
// Create your own styles,
Publisher: The Lake Publication: Issue 5
Step 2: Hone Your Craft Find a cafe, classroom, patch of grass – wherever works for you – to bring your new group together. Address the questions below in meetings one and two. After that you can follow the schedule set up in your editorial calendar.
Creating a Shared Vision — Practical Questions for Your Team to Address: • What topics do we want to cover? • What kinds of resources are available to us? • What community/group are we trying to serve? • Do we want to print physical copies? Why? • How many editions do we want to create per year? • How often do we want to meet up? • What expenses will we incur? • What is our ideal staff size?
Publisher: Artful Living Publication: Summer 2016
Step 2: Hone Your Craft
Developing a Brand: Audience Find a niche audience within your school. Do you want to cover only school news? Or maybe you want to start a knitting magazine? Think about what kind of people you’re trying to reach, and then plan your content to serve that audience.
Intent/Mission Who do you want to be, and what are you trying to accomplish? Having a mission statement not only encourages consistency, it also acts as a guide to help refocus your content if you get sidetracked.
Coverage/Sections If you’re more of a culture magazine, maybe your content fits into four categories — local news, features, music and arts. If you’re a fashion magazine, then your sections might need to be more specific, like beauty, seasonal picks, vintage and opinion/commentary. Take time early on to determine the focus of your content and the weight each section should carry.
Style Your publication must have a cohesive look. Every page should look like it belongs in the same magazine. You’ll need to choose fonts, basic page designs, margin sizes, photography style and Publisher: #Photography Publication: Issue 14
all of the technical things that make up a publication’s look.
Step Step3:3: Journalism Journalism 101 101 A CrashCourse Courseinin A Crash What Meanstotobe be What ititMeans Student a StudentJournalist Journalist:
Reporting Principles: Reporting Principles: Credibility
Credibility Balance Accuracy Accuracy Conflicts ofof Interest Conflicts Interest Clarity
Balance
Clarity
“Early on, make sure you ho
and integrity. Don't allow p
things. Have reporters do t
Tell your staff that they sho
go out and take their own.
the additional phone call o
-— Jack Brook, 2015 California Jou
Publisher: #Photography Publication: Issue 14
old yourselves to high standards of journalistic ethics
people to cut corners, no matter how much easier it will make
their big interviews in person, not over email or the phone.
ouldn't just rely on photos from their sources, but should
. Fact check information, get the correct spelling, make
or interview.�
urnalist of the Year, National Runner Up
Freedom of Information Act Public schools are required to make certain
Step 3: Journalism 101
information available to the public. For example, campus police must keep public records of serious reported crimes. And meetings that include the
Ethics and Rights
majority of a governing body must remain open to
Freedom of press
Libel is a published false statement or accusation that
is a right, but it comes
destroys or damages a person’s reputation. It can get
with great responsibility.
you into serious legal trouble, is unethical and can
Don’t kid yourself into
bring down your publication along with its target.
thinking that what you say doesn’t have consequences.
the public.
Don’t Print Libel
Granting Anonymity Use anonymity sparingly. Overusing promises of confidentiality reduces your publication’s credibility.
Read this great article on
Read about the Privacy Protection Act and Shield
the subject of journalistic
Laws here.
ethics and rights.
Understand Copyright Laws Only publish your own photographs and content. Learn more here.
Landmark Supreme Court Cases:
Tinker vs. Des Moines (1969)
to censor students at Hazelwood East High School who tried to publish stories on teen pregnancy and the effect of divorce on children in their student
Three Iowa students were suspended for
paper. Effectively this excluded U.S.
wearing black armbands to protest the
school publications from the protections
Vietnam War. In a landmark decision
of “forums for public expression.” Under
by the Supreme Court, the Court
Hazelwood, school-sponsored speech
stated that students do not “shed their
could be censored with reasonable
constitutional rights to freedom of
educational justification. The vague
speech or expression at the schoolhouse
criteria for permitting censorship and
gate,” and school administrations could
hazy definition of a “public forum” make
only censor student voices if it was
it easy for school administrations
to protect the rights of others or avoid
to threaten student’s free speech
a substantial disruption of learning.
powers (especially those who are not
Read more about the case here.
properly informed of their rights).
Hazelwood vs. Kuhlmeier (1988)
Keep in mind that student press rights
In a Supreme Court decision that would
depend on location and institution type.
allow for decades of administrative
You should find out about the laws in
censorship in high schools, it was
your specific state, or school policies if
deemed constitutional for administrators
you attend a private institution.
Step 3: Journalism 101
Working With an Advisor Student publications are strongest when student led, but an advisor can be an invaluable source of wisdom — especially in writing about sensitive subjects or handling ethical dilemmas. They should not take on the classic role of a teacher or professor, but rather hang back and only step in when needed.
“Student journalism is the foundation of a democracy because it teaches real world critical thinking skills, communication skills, collaboration skills and tech skills. We are not training journalists, we are training thinkers for the 21st century.” – Esther Wojcicki, founder of the Palo Alto High School journalism program
Publisher: The Campanile
Publisher: Highsnobiety Publication: Issue 12
Step 3: Journalism 101
Using Your Resources An Introduction to the Biggest Advocates for the Student Press Student Press Law Center The SPLC provides information, training and legal help for student journalists. They are your go-to people if you ever need help with an ethical dilemma or censorship problem, or are seeking to educate yourself about your rights.
Journalism Education Association The JEA holds workshops, conventions and competitions for students, and serves to educate journalism teachers and advisors as well.
Columbia Scholastic Press Association The CSPA offers prestigious awards and hosts several annual conventions for journalism students.
Society of Professional Journalists The SPJ, although meant mainly for professionals, has invaluable resources for student reporters regarding ethics and law. They also have awards and conferences for students.
Step 4: Resources for Exceptionalism Next Steps for Growth As you’ve seen, creating a magazine is not all that complicated, and requires surprisingly few paid resources. If you want to take your publication to the next level, consider these options:
• Invest in an issuu publishing plan, • print physical copies, • obtain design software like Adobe InDesign, • launch a website, and • buy promotional materials like t-shirts, stickers, etc.
Publisher: Highsnobiety Publication: Issue 12
Seek Out School Funds There are a lot of financial resources for student journalists on school
Step 4: Resources for Exceptionalism
Advertising and Funding How to Make it Happen There are multiple ways to fund your magazine. Decide on a budget prior to seeking sources of funding so you can determine exactly how much you’ll need.
campuses. All you have to do is know how to tap into them. • Make your pitch, write grants, ask organizations. • Be as organized as possible and detail exactly how the money will be used. • Keep in mind, the more heavily you depend on your school for financial support, the more control they are able to assert over what you publish.
Sell Ads to Local Businesses Selling advertising to local businesses helps everyone. Your publication gets funding, and the businesses are able to expand their reach in your community. In addition, you build life skills while helping to establish a nice relationship between your school and its community.
Tips on Selling Ads:
phone. Wait until the next issue is being assembled, then hit them up again.
Be relevant. Target businesses that share an audience with your magazine. For example, if you’re an arts magazine, try getting ads from local art stores and theater companies. Stay local, stay small. Local businesses will generally be more likely to advertise with you than larger companies because they want to be seen locally. Be professional. Present yourself and
All hands. In order to ensure everyone on staff is making an effort to raise funding, make it a class/club requirement that every person obtain a certain amount of ad revenue, or hold a contest to determine the biggest seller. Your pitch should include: 1. What your magazine is about. 2. A sample of your magazine. 3. Ad sizes and prices from your
your magazine in the best way possible.
ad contract, and the reads and
An in-person meeting will be the most
impressions you get (or hope to get)
effective. Even if your magazine is brand
on each publication.
new, assure your potential advertisers that your product is worthy of investment through your tone, language and dress. Be persistent. Understand that not every business you meet with will buy an ad. In fact, the vast majority probably won’t. Don’t take it personally. Get their contact information before you leave, and follow up via email and
Thank your advertisers, preferably with handwritten notes and a link to the publication they advertised in on issuu. You want to keep the door open for further business deals with them or their connections, and let them know that you genuinely appreciate their support.
Publisher: #Photography Publication: Issue 11
Step 4: Resources for Exceptionalism
Get Recognized Award Winning
Convention Experience
It’s important to get recognized
It’s also worthwhile to experience
for your hard work. Not only will
journalism conventions. Not only
recognition increase staff morale
is being around hundreds of other
and motivate people to achieve
student journalists downright
success in the future, it can also
inspiring, but the plethora
make a difference for you in future
of workshops available make
school and job applications.
conventions incredible
A few competitions to enter:
learning experiences.
• Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
For high school students:
• Journalism Education
• CSPA Spring Convention
Association Awards • CSPA Gold Circle and Crown Awards • Society of Professional Journalists Awards
• JEA/NSPA National Convention For college students: • National College Media Convention • SPJ Excellence in Journalism
We've got your back. Send us your questions, comments and work with the hashtag #issuustudentpress We can't wait to see what you create.
// Design: Kaija Xiao // Copy Editor: Joel Barnard // Creative Director: Nicole Chiala // Writers: Lisie Sabbag, Maya Kandell and Kaija Xiao
Now that you know what digital publishing is all about, it’s time to spread your journalistic wings and go change the world. Publisher: Local Wolves Publication: Issue 30
Connecting content to people.
