December 23, 2009 / Book Organization / Copywriting

A few helpful proofing tips for working over the holiday break

Written by Marketing Staff

Hopefully, the holiday break over the next week or two will give you some time to relax, refresh and spend time with family and loved ones.

However, for most advisers and staffs, work on the yearbook doesn’t come to a complete halt. There’s likely still copy to be edited, and proofs to be reviewed, maybe even a deadline to meet.

If that’s the case, here’s a few common helpful editing/proofreading tips to keep in mind for your work over the break.

  • Always double-check names. There should be a list of the student body and faculty always available in your yearbook room, in order to check the spelling of names in stories. If you’re doing some proofing at home, make sure you’ve got the same list.
  • Have reference books handy. Dictionaries, AP Stylebook, staff style manuals – all books that are probably handy when you’re working at school. Make sure you have copies at home, as well.
  • Use the ladder. Your ladder helps outline the content of the entire yearbook, and the placement of stories and color. If you’re hitting a deadline over the break, the ladder will be your guide.
  • Take a break! For one thing, it’s never a good idea to work for too many hours of proofreading or editing straight without taking a break to get refreshed. But beyond that, be sure not to work the entire holiday! The yearbook will still be there when you get back.

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Marketing Staff

Marketing Staff reports are posts compiled by the Walsworth Yearbooks Marketing Department, covering a wide range of yearbook topics.