Overview of Canadian Yearbook Review:

Thousands of schools, students and staff sponsors spend countless hours producing yearbooks that capture the story of their school. With the exception of the dedicated efforts of the yearbook representatives, they do this in relative isolation. How might books be improved? How do their books rank relative to others? What feedback can experts in the journalism and photographic professions provide? How can yearbook staff get the recognition they deserve in the school?

It is the intention of the Canadian Yearbook Review to serve these needs.We review book submissions for design, layout, photography and theme continuity. Detailed feedback on these topics provide schools with knowledge to improve their books. Schools can qualify for certificates of achievement.

Our focus is on educational institutions that produce annual yearbooks. The production can be as part of a recognized course or through student and staff who volunteer their time and expertise. Three categories of publications exist. These include middle schools (grades 7-9), high schools (grades 10-12) and post-secondary institutions. Each category is judged independently, however, the results are combined into one ranking.

What Participants Receive:

Participants in the Canadian Yearbook Review receive:

  • detailed feedback on their yearbooks (education)
  • opportunities for certificates of achievement (recognition)

Dates for Submissions and Announcement of Prizes and Certificates:

Two dates are available for judging and feedback of yearbooks. Schools receiving spring delivery of their books are asked to make submissions by July 15. Announcements of certificates of achievement will be made when the spring review is completed . Schools with fall deliveries are asked to make submissions by November 15 with results announced when the fall review is completed. Late submissions will be considered for submission upon request.

Obligations of Participants:

Educational institutions wishing to participate in the Canadian Yearbook Review must first make payment directly or through their yearbook publisher according to the fee outline on the application form.

The Canadian Yearbook Review is not responsible for assisting in any way with the completion of a yearbook, nor are they responsible for the shipping costs associated with sending a book for entry.

Cost of Participating in the Annual Canadian Yearbook Review:

The annual costs for participating in the Canadian Yearbook Review correlate with the size of the book. Please go to the application form (under forms) for current prices.

Contact Us for more information.

Check the detailed review on the forms page for more information on what is covered in the review.

Some topics covered are:

Yearbook Cover (if school designed)

  • unity front to back
  • theme integrated into design
  • overall first impression
  • legibility of typography
  • school name and year
  • effective design of end sheets

Overall Organization:

  • table of contents
  • page numbering
  • division pages
  • use of page footers
  • establishment of theme
  • theme flows throughout book
  • consistent use of fonts

Photography (technical)

  • exposure
  • focusing
  • body cropping
  • backgrounds
  • lighting - natural and flash

Photography (artistic)

  • theme simplicity
  • balance
  • rule of thirds o shape variety (square, vertical, horizontal)
  • variety (individuals, small & large groups)
  • visibility of hands and faces
  • variety of camera angles o attention to visual movement & space
  • capturing of Decisive moments
  • photo groupings tell a story
  • diverse coverage of school events
  • photograph of school in the book

Layout

  • body type - 9-12 points
  • display type - 18-36 points
  • captions with photographs
  • journalism stories with themes
  • integration of Wrap around text
  • use of reverse type
  • use of drop caps
  • maintaining tight spacing between page elements
  • white space on the outsides of a layout
  • effective contrast
  • page unity
  • page balance
  • eye movement of a page
  • facing pages compliment one another
  • inclusion of art in design of pages
  • use of tint blocks behind type
  • effective use of tinted patterns in page backgrounds
  • variation of shapes
  • effective use of gutters o effective use of bleeds
  • layering effects giving three dimentions to pages
  • dominant photographs.

Colour

  • use of full colour signatures
  • use of spot colour signatures
  • use of duotones
  • effective design with colour for unity of page
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