Q: I’ve been a journalist for eight years but I hate to admit that I’ve never mastered the art of preparing clips for jobs and contests. I was wondering if you could help with a few questions.
First, a contest says to use a scrapbook of up to 12 X 17. Where do you find such a scrapbook? Or should I be looking for a binder?
Second, when a contest or job ad says to mount clips on 8 1/2 X 11 sheets of paper, does that mean I cut up the story into columns and tape them in order on the sheets? This, of course, ruins the story layout. Is it the preferred method as opposed to shrinking the story to fit on the paper?
Also, what do you do with the photos that ran with the story? Should I also tape them to the sheets of paper and sprinkle them throughout the story? Or should I run them together at the end of the story, or just not include them?
Tony
A: There is a world of difference between contest clips and job clips.
On contests, follow the rules to a T. That means adhere to the size of paper the rules require, even if it means losing the layout. The contest may be deliberately focusing on writing alone. Do not shrink the clips. I would look for a binder at an office or art supplies store.
For jobs, keep your presentation simple and easy to handle. Page sizes should be uniform. Some photos may help, but do not knock yourself out to include them all.
