Outside of the yearbook which protects the printed pages.
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.
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 there in a way that reflects the theme.
A page‐by‐page listing of the yearbook’s contents. Yearbook staffs
use the ladder to stay organized and to plan for deadlines.
The page number and the topic of a spread placed as a unit traditionally at the bottom left and bottom right of the spread.
Eight pages on one side of a signature. In the first signature of the
yearbook, for example, pages 1,4,5,8,12,13 and 16 make up one flat.
Pages 2,3,6,7,10,11,14 and 15 are on the other side of the signature.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A “mini theme” used as a section title. Spinoffs may help carry the
theme throughout the book.
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.
A list of the technical printing information about the yearbook, including price, number of copies, colors, fonts, photography company and awards won by previous year's book. The colophon often appears at the end of the index.