Issuu Guide: Digital Publishing for Student Journalists

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,

sense of the many directions your publication can take.

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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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Student News: The Eagle Eye (Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School)

YOUR MAG

Arts/Photography: Proof Magazine (Palo Alto High School)

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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AL IT YS H 21 OL KIN M NA ST M EA A D N

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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

ver! This will first page when he follow pages e-by-side as

WESTEROS HIGH SCHOOL

ARTS MAGAZINE WINTER 2016

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Images courtesy of Mad Sounds Magazine

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KING’S LANDING HIGH SCHOOL

NEWS MAGAZINE February 2017

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Arya Stark’s Journey Home

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Digital Publishing Awesomeness Game of Thrones Imagery courtesy of HBO.com

Resources for You Here at Issuu, we’re constantly striving to bring the best digital publishing experience to publishers at all levels.

To help jumpstart your creation process, we’ve created templates that will give you the perfect starting place.

For a more extensive look at all of our publishing awesomeness, take a flip through our new digital publishing toolkit to get a deeper look into our features.

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.