School Mag guide

In the final part of the cut-out-and-keep series, Louise Holdenhas a few reminders

More than 300 teams are beavering away at their SchoolMag publications in time for our competition's February 7th deadline, and the pace is likely to get feverish after Christmas. So you are not thrown into a panic in the new year, it's worth having a team meeting just before the break, to ensure that everything is going according to plan. If anyone is feeling snowed under or falling behind, now is the time to deal with the problem. Here are few points to consider.

Have you decided on the length, size and style of your magazine? If so, have you spoken to a printer about your needs and ensured that he or she will be able to deliver your magazine on time?

How much is your magazine going to cost? Do you have the money to cover all expenses? If not, do you need to gather sponsorship or hold a fundraiser to meet the gap (or ask your parents to put their hands in their pockets)?

Is your designer happy that the team has agreed on a look? Does he or she have the resources to bring the look to completion - access to software, paper and scissors, glue, glitter, David Hasselhoff images?

Are all your writers satisfied that their stories are coming together, that they have been able to gather all the information and sources they need and that their articles will be properly illustrated? Are they aware of how long their pieces should be? Will they be providing panels, lists or other visual aids to the reader?

Is the editor pleased with the way the articles are shaping up? Has he or she received copy already, and, if so, is he or she content with the material? If, as editor, you feel some work could be tightened up, improved on or reworked in any way, don't be afraid to say so. It's your job. As an objective reader of the material it may by easier for you to spot a weak opening, sloppy delivery, over-reliance on opinion or other factors that might let an otherwise good feature down.

Consider the details. At this point you may have given little or no thought to minor issues, such as how to present page numbers, bylines (the names of the authors to go with articles) and your contents page. Start thinking about them now.

Have you decided how to do your cover? Less can be more: one striking image or design can be very eye-catching. Make sure your cover, and your entire publication, reflects the spirit, personalities and attitudes of those who created it.

If you haven't registered for the Irish Times SchoolMag competition there's still time - but get a move on.Even if you have registered, don't forget to check www.irishtimeschoolmag.ie for deadlines and other requirements