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.
BROA D
l Media Moveme
nt

Not All Student

Publications
are Alike
JU
LY
-
AU
GU
ST
20
16

Some student publications focus

p a r on fashion, some on news. Some
are long and some are short.
t

Some are colorful and breezy,

verde
y

YA
SS
I
PR
while others are text-heavy
palo alto hi ES
gh school
volume 14
edition 5
SM
A
N and sophisticated. To the right
f e

are a few magazine “types” and

v examples to give you a better
e r sense of the many directions your
publication can take.

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agazin
Arts M
SS L
iterary
ual I &
wn /R ISD Vis U

baked
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NO
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V I Issue
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Rape Cultu
re:
“You can’t tell
me
I wasn’t raped”
(p. 15 )
the ultimate food hig
Breaking the Si
lence (p. 22) spring 2016 | issue
Taking it Serio
usly (p. 24)
 [proof]
palo alto high school
winter 2015

V_01

Student News: Arts/Photography: Fashion:

The Eagle Eye Proof Magazine Unfold Magazine
(Marjory Stoneman Douglas (Palo Alto High School) (John Moores University)
High School)

YOUR MAG 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

Providence Senior High School

volume XXI | 2016
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D N
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VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 6 | APRIL/MAY 2016

AT

FIVE YEAR DOUBLE ISSUE

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by
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Lifestyle: Sports: Lit Mag:

Your Mag The Viking Roars and Whispers
(Emerson College) (Palo Alto High School) (Providence High School)

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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
photographers, illustrators, programmers,
olv
cal W
marketers, business people … the list goes on.
r : L o
lishe Apri
l
Pub ion:
l i c a t
Pub

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 resume and join a new social group.
Publication: Ap
ril
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. through the entire editorial process.
• Facilitates staff discussions, enforces • Maintains an expertise in their
deadlines for each production cycle. 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 • Aids in the development of specific
managing the flow of money. design-heavy spreads.

Copy Editor: Staff Writers:

• Ensures no spelling, grammar or style • Constitutes the life of your publication.
mistakes slip through. • Are creative, compelling writers, bold
• Stays well-versed in AP Style (a reporters and receptive to feedback.
standard for all journalistic writing). • A diverse group of writers that
• Is ultimately responsible for the collectively can dive into an array
validity of all facts published. 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.”
Katie Pickrell,
2016 Colorado Journalist
of the Year
Publisher: The Eye Creative
Publication: Issue 7 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.
// Create your own styles,
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
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
all of the technical things that
Publication: Issue 14
make up a publication’s look.
Step3:3:
Step
Journalism
Journalism
101
101
A CrashCourse
A Crash Courseinin
What
What ititMeans
Meanstotobebe
Student
a StudentJournalist
Journalist:

Reporting Principles:
Credibility
Reporting Principles: “Early on, make sure you ho
Credibility
Balance and integrity. Don't allow p
Balance
Accuracy things. Have reporters do t
Accuracy
Conflicts ofof
Interest Tell your staff that they sho
Conflicts Interest
Clarity go out and take their own.
Clarity 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
information available to the public. For example,
Step 3: campus police must keep public records of serious

Journalism 101 reported crimes. And meetings that include the

Ethics
majority of a governing body must remain open to
the public.

and Rights Don’t Print Libel

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

Granting Anonymity
you say doesn’t have
Use anonymity sparingly. Overusing promises of
consequences.
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: to censor students at Hazelwood East
High School who tried to publish stories
Tinker vs. on teen pregnancy and the effect of
Des Moines (1969) 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
campuses. All you have to do is know
Step 4: Resources how to tap into them.
• Make your pitch, write grants,
for Exceptionalism
ask organizations.

Advertising • Be as organized as possible and detail

exactly how the money will be used.

and Funding • Keep in mind, the more heavily you

depend on your school for financial
support, the more control they are
How to Make it Happen able to assert over what you publish.

There are multiple ways to fund Sell Ads to

your magazine. Decide on a budget
Local Businesses
prior to seeking sources of funding
Selling advertising to local businesses
so you can determine exactly helps everyone. Your publication gets
how much you’ll need. 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
All hands. In order to ensure everyone
share an audience with your magazine.
on staff is making an effort to raise
For example, if you’re an arts magazine,
funding, make it a class/club requirement
try getting ads from local art stores and
that every person obtain a certain
theater companies.
amount of ad revenue, or hold a contest
Stay local, stay small. Local businesses to determine the biggest seller.
will generally be more likely to advertise
Your pitch should include:
with you than larger companies because
1. What your magazine is about.
they want to be seen locally.
2. A sample of your magazine.
Be professional. Present yourself and 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. Thank your advertisers, preferably with
handwritten notes and a link to the
Be persistent. Understand that not
publication they advertised in on issuu.
every business you meet with will
You want to keep the door open for
buy an ad. In fact, the vast majority
further business deals with them or their
probably won’t. Don’t take it personally.
connections, and let them know that you
Get their contact information before
genuinely appreciate their support.
you leave, and follow up via email and
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 • JEA/NSPA National Convention
• CSPA Gold Circle and For college students:
Crown Awards • National College Media
• Society of Professional Convention
Journalists Awards • 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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for your cover!

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Toolkit for
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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.