Save Extra Type
Don?t throw away clean copy until your newsletter has safely reached the hands of your subscribers...you never know when you?ll need emergency type "first aid." If you happen to notice a typo while pasting up your newsletter, you should be able to find the same word or same combination of letters in the same type size and font, to make a quick repair. Simply cut out the error using your T-square and X-acto knife, and replace with type from discarded proof originals. Be sure to use your burnisher to prevent the type from falling off.
Choosing Colors
It is important to choose color combinations that work well together to set the tone (personality) of your newsletter. You do not want to use bright primary colors on a business newsletter, any more than you would want to use a tinted burgundy and grey on a daycare piece. If you are unsure about color selection, you should consult a graphic designer.
Layout Sheets
If you?re not ready to invest in a light table, try using layout sheets! They are ideal for paste-up!
Layout sheets are usually made from a heavy paper stock and have non-repro blue grids printed on them to help with the placement of copy. They are somewhat larger than the final printed page, so margins are easy to see, and crop marks can be added for the printer. You can usually find pads of layout sheets in your local art supply store, or ask your printer for some. Many times, they are sturdy enough for re-use.
Personality
Your newsletter should have its own distinctive personality to invite your readers to read it. This can be achieved by blending format, design elements, text type and heading styles, writing style, illustrations, kind and color of paper, ink color combinations, etc.
Making Paste-up Corrections
While it may save time to paste corrections right on top of typesetting mistakes, you should really "mortise in" the corrections; especially if you want quality paste-ups. By pasting over the top, you run the risk of the type falling off the page and printing the typeset copy with errors.
Imitation
When you find a layout you like, you can try incorporating some of the design elements to fit your newsletter. Looking through magazines, brochures, and other newsletters is also a good way to learn about colors, font choices, and layout. (Do be careful about copyright infringement!)
Wide Column Format
A wide column format uses one wide column in the center of the page for feature articles, and narrower columns at the left and right edges for short items. (The opposite of a narrow column format.)
Bleed
A bleed is when the printed image extends to the trim edge of a page; it looks as though it "bleeds" off the sheet.
Save Money on Second Colors
Adding a second color to your newsletter always adds an additional cost. You should be able to save some money by contacting your printer to find out what his printing schedule is. For instance, if he has a day where he?ll be running all his red ink jobs, you may be able to get a discount if you can get your newsletter to him ahead of time. In most cases, the cost of the second ink color is based on the extra effort by the printer to clean the ink off the press, in addition to the second run through the press.
Dummy
A dummy is a preliminary drawing, layout or paste-up showing the positioning of all the elements of your newsletter as they are to appear when printed.
Where to Find Color Choices
Pantone guides for ink colors can be found in most design studios, art supply stores, and commercial printing shops. Every color of the spectrum is represented in sample form and is assigned a number. The standard numbering system allows you have the exact color printed no matter where you take your newsletter.
(There are other guides available, but Pantone is the most widely-recognized system.)
Front Page
First impressions are important! The front page of your newsletter is YOUR first impression. You should take advantage of this by creating a unique nameplate (banner) to go across the top of the page. While your banner is busy catching the attention of your readers, some well-chosen headlines and/or graphics should reel them in! (Try to avoid too much body copy!)
The front page is also a good place to add teasers about "what?s inside" the rest of your newsletter.
Gutter
A gutter or alley refers to the inner margins of two facing pages in a book or other publication; also space between two columns.