Yearbook Basics

Question 1

Closing

Answer 1

Final Pages of the Yearbook (typically three pages or more) where the theme is concluded. Should follow ads and index

Question 2

Colophon

Answer 2

A list of the technical printing information about the yearbook, including price, number of copies, colors, fonts, photography company and award won by previous year’s book. The colophon often appears at the end of the index.

Question 3

CONTENTS

Answer 3

Listing of the pages containing the opening, sections, index and closing. The contents is usually printed on the front endsheet or in the opening, but not on the title page.

Question 4

COPY

Answer 4

The story. Every spread should contain a story, also called a copy block. Alternatives to traditional narrative copy include lists, quotes, personal narratives, surveys and other material that accurately tells the story.

Question 5

COVER

Answer 5

Outside of the yearbook which protects the printed pages.

Question 6

COVERAGE

Answer 6

Refers both to the topics featured on individual spreads and how the topics are highlighted. For example, typical coverage in a student life section would include summer, the first day of school and homecoming. In addition, typical homecoming coverage would include photos, copy and captions detailing the event.

Question 7

DEPTH COVERAGE

Answer 7

Using more than one spread for a topic and linking the additional spreads to the first with a headline or similar design. Also called jump coverage.

Question 8

DIVIDER

Answer 8

A spread used to separate each of the sections of the yearbook. A divider is usually theme related in design and the copy links the main theme to the ensuing section.

Question 9

ENDSHEET

Answer 9

Heavier sheets of paper which hold the pages of the yearbook to the cover. Endsheets may be plain or designed to reflect the theme. The front endsheet typically contains the contents listing.

Question 10

FLAT

Answer 10

Eight pages on one side of a signature. In the first signature of the yearbook, for example, pages 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13 and 16 make up one flat. Pages 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14 and 15 are printed on the other side of the signature.

Question 11

FOLIO TABS

Answer 11

The page number and the topic of a spread placed as a unit traditionally at the bottom left and bottom right of the spread.

Question 12

FOUR COLOR

Answer 12

Printing in magenta (reddish pink), cyan (blue), yellow and black. These inks combine to create full-color pictures.

Question 13

FRONT LID

Answer 13

Front cover of the yearbook which includes the name of the book, the year and the theme. The theme should be developed visually and verbally. Also called the front flap.

Question 14

GRAPHICS

Answer 14

Elements such as color, white space, rule lines, gray screens, large initial letters and special type treatments which enhance the book’s design.

Question 15

INDEX

Answer 15

A complete alphabetical listing of all students, teachers, advertisers, topics and events covered in the yearbook.

Question 16

LADDER

Answer 16

A page-by-page listing of the yearbook’s contents. Yearbook staffs use the ladder to stay organized and to plan for deadlines.

Question 17

OPENING

Answer 17

The first two to four pages (or more) of the yearbook which introduce the theme.

Question 18

SECTION

Answer 18

A traditional yearbook is typically broken up into six sections: student life, academics, organizations, people, sports and ads/index. These sections are used as an organizational tool for the staff and the reader.

Question 19

SIGNATURE

Answer 19

A 16-page grouping made up of two 8-page flats. Yearbooks are printed in signatures which are then folded, stitched and trimmed to be collated and bound into the yearbook.

Question 20

SPINE

Answer 20

Area of the yearbook connecting the front and back covers. The name of the school, name of the book, city/state, volume number and year should appear on the spine in a way that reflects the theme.

Question 21

SPIN-OFF

Answer 21

A “mini theme” used as a section title. Spinoffs may help carry the theme throughout the book.

Question 22

SPOT COLOR

Answer 22

Printing in (at least) one additional color besides black. Spot color is an effective way to add emphasis to a black and white page.

Question 23

SPREAD

Answer 23

Two facing or side-by-side pages in the yearbook such as 2 and 3, 4 and 5, 6 and 7, etc.

Question 24

THEME

Answer 24

A verbal statement and a visual look which tie all parts of the yearbook together. The theme should fit your school and your year.

Question 25

TITLE PAGE

Answer 25

Page one of the yearbook. It should include reference to the theme, plus the name of the book, the name of the school, the complete school address, the volume number and year. The school telephone number, web address and enrollment may also be listed there.