If you want to print standard size newspapers in mass quantity, you will need to purchase a printing press (and invest a considerable amount of money). This article will focus on the "how to's" of printing a small paper, to be distributed to a few hundred people. Follow these steps for a professional looking layout, which will help to build your base of local subscribers and readers.
Instructions
1. Plan your layout. Use the graph paper to determine the size of photos to be placed on each page, as well as the length of any stories to be run. Use "dummy" articles and photos when planning your layout. Cut them to the size you need and use rubber cement to glue them onto one sheet of the graph paper.
2. Consider your white space. When planning your layout for the paper you need to not only look at the space which will be covered with pictures, stories and ads, but the space in between these items. While it does not always work out perfectly, a good layout person will strive to have equal white space between each item on each page.
3. Break up the layout by alternating pictures and stories, until you have a "smooth" appearance. Use small ads or simple text boxes to add variety to a page. When you have a particular long bit of print, consider breaking it into sections and running one part on one page, and a second part on another page.
4. Count words. Use your dummy articles to help you assess how many words your real articles should contain. Editors often have to cut down articles that are too wordy, due to lack of space.
5. Print your photos to size, rather than trying to re-size them on a photo shop type program. Original pictures will show up much clearer, and with less distortion if you start with the right size first.
6. Tack down your pieces after you have printed all of your photos and typed up your stories to specifications. Use rubber cement, and fresh, clean graph paper to put together your final copy. Glue everything down, using the lines on the paper to keep edges straight, and keep your materials where they are supposed to be (the lines on the graph paper will not show up after printing).
7. Run as many copies of your master as needed, or take it to the print shop and let them run the copies.
