Yearbook publishers establish clear guidelines for adhering to a production schedule, which is based on the school calendar and agreed-upon delivery date. To meet these deadlines, a yearbook club or course must operate like a small business; the class must create their product on schedule and within budget. Organization is crucial.

A core organizational concept is to allow each person, team, or department maximum independence with optimum discipline, which is established through quality leadership and clearly defined roles and responsibilities. The single most important factor of a successful yearbook is finding the right people to fill the essential roles. A well-organized, dependable class will foster a co-operative environment where deadlines are made, and duties are distributed evenly and fairly. Creativity flourishes in an environment supported by organization and teamwork.

Select the yearbook group as early as possible, usually in the spring of the previous year. Students should be chosen according to their known strengths and talents. The search should involve the entire school. Check with administrators, teachers, and even other students to determine which students excel in areas of creative writing, journalism, photography, art, graphic design, leadership, and student involvement. Seek out these students and encourage their involvement in the yearbook. (Alternatively, individual students may come to you and your team. They may choose the yearbook class/course to round out their academic curriculum).

To help ensure a smooth upcoming production year, have potential candidates submit a teacher recommendation, complete an application form (samples at conclusion of section), and possibly participate in an interview, conducted in the spring, by the class teacher and last year’s editors.

The size of the yearbook class will relate to the size of the school or the number of students in the course. Most yearbook classes will have 15-25 members, with experienced students returning to fill important leadership roles. The curriculum should be flexible to allow students to participate as second year students.