1. Getting Started

  • Contact the publications team right away. Provide 8 weeks for small projects, and 6 months for large projects.
  • Keep us informed of your schedule. If you will be out of the office at any time during the project, let us know, and provide an alternate contact person.
  • Spend time thinking through what you need your piece to achieve, and who you want to address. Think about how you will distribute or mail it, too. These things can have a big impact. A little thought in the beginning will pay off in the end!
  • Do not begin by designing your own product. It may take you days or weeks to complete something that we may not end up using. Our graphic designer can save you many, many hours of work and provide a professional product.

2. Drafting Your Message

Drafting your message can be a very good way to start. Get down the basics: who, what, where, when, why. Double-check your facts, verify spellings, and clarify biographical information. Don't worry about polishing your draft. We will talk with you about what you want to achieve, and we may choose to edit or restructure the copy you provide. You will get a chance to review and make changes.

3. Revising Copy

You must be able to respond promptly to requests for reviewing copy. Talk to us about what you like and don't like, and how you want it changed. Please don't spend your time on a detailed rewrite of the copy. We'll be happy to work on it to give you what you need.

4. Proofreading

Although we will proofread for grammar and style, we also require that you proofread your piece. When you look over the text and images, it is vital that you carefully check facts and the accuracy of information.

5. Photography

Please do not use photos you find in a book or magazine. That material is copyrighted and the College cannot violate copyright law. Let us know what sort of image you want, and we'll find something suitable. At times, you may supply your own photos. See Photography for more information.

6. Publication Appearance

Grinnell College publications are branded with a specific look and feel. They use the College logo in a consistent and appropriate manner and convey a message that is consistent with the College's overall communication efforts. When every Grinnell publication reinforces the message, the reader will hear and remember it.