Ways to use copy throughout your yearbook!

Ways to use copy throughout your yearbook! Copy That!

< Headline < Story < Caption

Getting Stories Try to interview every individual in school Find out what they think, feel, say, do Uncover entertaining ways to tell stories Interview substantial numbers of individuals for each story idea Tell the complete story Offer differing perspectives Interview through polls and surveys, focus groups and one-on-one inquiries

Crafting Questions 5 Ws & H Ask who, what, when, where, why, how Objective short answer Provide factual and numerical details Multiple choice Offer readers a collection of details and opinion Subjective Gain quotable, anecdotal reactions from readers

Headlines Primary Captures readers’ attention with key word/phrase Secondary Dates year with details personalizing coverage Specialty Complements headline package with insights

Copy That: Kicker headline | Maize South Middle School | Wichita, KS

Copy That: Hammer headline | Maize South Middle School | Wichita, KS

Stories • Features • Weave 5-7 paragraphs together in traditional journalistic format • Story packages (Quick Reads) • Create at-a-glance fact/figure/feeling combos • Verbal snapshots • Give readers quick slices of life, personalities

Anatomy of a Story Lead Quote Transition Quote Conclusion

Copy That: Copy in Info-Graphics Glenbrook South High School | Glenview, IL

Captions: Types Ident Brief identification and description Summary 1-2 sentences that answer most of the 5Ws & H Expanded Summary caption + additional information, insight

Captions: Components Lead-in Makes a recognizable verbal/visual connection First sentence Answers most important 5Ws & H Written in present tense Second sentence Adds insight not obvious in photo content Written in past tense Quotable reaction to content of photo

Copy That Caption:Id/Ident Flag Football Senior Mark Bellman, four-year letterman

Copy That Caption:Summary Flag Football To the roar of the home fans, senior Mark Bellman leads the varsity players onto the field against rival University High School in the last game of the district season. For the first time in eight years, the team advanced to regional play-offs shutting out the Tigers, 21-0.

Copy That Caption:Expanded Flag Football To the roar of the home fans, senior Mark Bellman leads the varsity players onto the field against rival University High School in the last game of the district season. For the first time in eight years, the team advanced to regional play-offs shutting out the Tigers, 21-0. “When I was injured in the third game of the season, I just knew my senior year would be the biggest bummer ever. However, when my teammates unanimously voted to let me lead them onto the field the rest of the games, I knew I was still a part of the team and became its biggest fan and cheerleader from the sidelines.” –Mark, four-year letterman

How many caption types can you find? | Rocklin HS, Rocklin, CA

Copy That Caption:Group Caption | Rocklin HS, Rocklin, CA

Copy That:Editing • Avoid boring nouns and weak verbs • Students, members, players • Is, are, was, were, be, being, been, appears • Keep paragraphs short • Avoid word overuse and labels, names • Focus on first 5-7 words; avoid a, an and the. Don’t use “this year” or overuse school name, initials, mascot • Eliminate editorializing • Delete opinionated words like busy, successful, diligent, winning, hard-working, difficult • Be objective avoiding first and second person

Ways to use copy throughout your yearbook!