Dawn Squires

Usually created with desktop publishing software

Word has desktop publishing features and can be used.

We will create newsletters with Word and Publisher.

Usually target a specific audience Usually prepared/printed periodically – weekly,

monthly, quarterly, etc. We will create a 3 column, that includes images

and wrap-around text.

Nameplate/banner Top part of newsletter that contains the title and

information about issue

Issue information line Specific information and the publication

Ruling line Horizontal/vertical rule Used to separate areas of the newsletter

Subhead Heading contained in the body of the newsletter Are usually a serif type font to stand out from body

and gain reader’s attention

Pull-Quote Text that is pulled – copied – from the body of the

newsletter Used to add visual interest – a type of graphic

1. Create the nameplatea. May be vertical or horizontalb. Usually centeredc. May include text and/or graphics

2. Determine body contenta. Usually contains a couple of articlesb. Make sure articles are interest to audiencec. Provide visual interest with graphics, pull-quotes & ruling lines

3. Distributiona. Will it be mailed? Put in public places? Posted on web?b. Printed ones are usually folded & stapled.c. If online, make sure it is in a format that most computer will

recognize.d. May need to convert it to a PDF document to protect its contents

and ensure it can be read regardless of software.

With Office 2007, a conversion tool is freely available to convert document to a portable document format.

This helps combat the problem of which version of Word to save the document in.

Will promote career & technical education We will assume it will be printed for distribution. We will create a logo for our CTAE program. Logo will be used in nameplate.

Remember, it should Be an attention grabber Entice people to read the newsletter Might want to put a slogan in it May include a logo or graphic image Should be short May it stand out Consider colors No clutter Rulings can be used

Write the body content. Should be interesting Consider if it’s to share information or promote

something. Usually body is in columns Include a jump to line and a jump from line if the

article is contained on two pages. Be consistent from one issue of the newsletter to the

next. Always keep announcements, etc., in the same location in the newsletter.

White Space Be generous with it. It allows the readers eyes to rest while reading. Text too close together looks crowded.

Color Use colors that blend with the nameplate. Too much color can be overwhelming. Don’t use color for the text unless it is for emphasis.

Subheads Use subheads with as few words as possible. Use larger font, bold, etc. Be consistent with subheads.

Vertical lines (rules) Use them to guide the reader through the document.

Visual Aids Give a newsletter vigor. Add emphasis Visual Aid Types

Graphics Pull-quotes Drop caps

When drafting a newsletter, one must consider output . . . How the newsletter will be distributed?

If printed, it is best to use a serif font for the body. Serif fonts allow the eye to scan the lines more easily.

If newsletter will be viewed over the computer, sans serif fonts are best for the body. Resolutions on computer monitors vary. Serif fonts appear “muddy” on computer monitors. Sans Serif fonts are easier to read on computer monitors

and should be used in the body.