Guide for Being Successful in The Talon Class

Being part of The Talon is an exciting opportunity to develop writing, editing, and journalism skills while contributing to your school’s publication. Success in this class requires organization, responsibility, creativity, and teamwork. This guide will help you navigate the course effectively and make the most of your experience.

1. Understanding Your Role in The Talon

Depending on your position, your responsibilities may differ, but every student should:

• Meet deadlines consistently.

• Follow formatting and submission guidelines.

• Be open to feedback and revisions.

• Collaborate with editors and peers.

• Maintain professionalism in interviews and research.

Available Roles

• Writers – Research, interview, and write articles following journalistic standards.

• Editors – Review, proofread, and format articles before publication.

• Website Editors – Upload and manage articles on Google Sites, ensuring proper formatting.

• Layout Editors – Design the printable issues and ensure the visual flow of content.

• Social Media Managers – Promote articles and manage The Talon’s TikTok and Instagram.

2. Staying Organized & Managing Time

To succeed in The Talon, you must be able to plan ahead and balance multiple tasks.

2.1 Creating a Personal Schedule

• Use a planner, calendar app, or reminders to track deadlines.

• Break down large tasks into smaller steps to stay on track.

• Compare your personal schedule with The Talon’s official deadlines to avoid last-minute rushes.

2.2 Meeting Deadlines

• Article Deadlines: Always submit drafts on time to allow time for feedback and revisions.

• Editing & Layout Deadlines: If you are an editor, be proactive about reviewing articles.

• Social Media Deadlines: Plan posts in advance to promote upcoming articles effectively.

3. Writing High-Quality Articles

Writing for The Talon requires clear, engaging, and fact-based journalism.

3.1 Research & Sourcing

• Use credible sources and cite them properly.

• Conduct at least three interviews per article, using open-ended questions to get meaningful responses.

• Record and transcribe interviews using Otter AI App to ensure accurate quotes.

3.2 Formatting Your Articles

• Font: Times New Roman, Size 12

• Spacing: Double-spaced, paragraphs indented

• Images: Two per article, left-justified

• Title & Byline: Clearly placed at the top

• Categories: Ensure your article is placed in the correct section (Sports, Campus News, Opinion, etc.)

3.3 Proofreading Before Submission

Before submitting your article:

• Read it out loud to catch errors and awkward phrasing.

• Run spell check, but also check for homophones (there/their/they’re).

• Make sure it flows smoothly and transitions between ideas are clear.

• Eliminate repetitive words and phrases.

4. Working with Editors & Making Revisions

Editors play a crucial role in refining articles before publication. Be open to their feedback.

4.1 Submitting to Editors

• Submit your article in the correct format (usually Word or PDF via OneNote).

• Make sure you’ve followed all submission guidelines.

4.2 Reviewing Feedback & Making Edits

• Carefully read the editor’s suggestions.

• Implement grammatical, structural, or content-based changes as needed.

• If you disagree with a change, respectfully discuss it with your editor.

5. Website & Layout Responsibilities

If you’re a Website Editor or Layout Editor, your job is to ensure proper formatting and organization.

5.1 Website Editing (Google Sites)

• Use size 12 Georgia font and double-spacing.

• Add titles in the banner, with an image submitted by the writer.

• Articles should be properly linked and categorized.

• Fix errors quickly based on error submissions.

• Update the "Our School" section and calendar frequently.

5.2 Layout Editing

• Ensure proper placement of articles in the printable issue.

• Title Page should include a headline & categories with page numbers.

• Use Times New Roman, Size 12 for the text.

• First layout page must include names & photos of all journalism students.

• Arrange text around images, keeping it visually balanced.

6. Social Media Management & Promotion

If you’re part of The Talon’s social media team, you’re responsible for engaging with readers and increasing visibility.

6.1 Marketing Strategies

• Use TikTok & Instagram to promote articles creatively.

• Post snippets, behind-the-scenes content, and interview clips.

• Use hashtags & trends to reach a wider audience.

• Schedule posts at peak engagement times (e.g., lunchtime, after school).

6.2 Online Safety & Efficiency

• Avoid sharing sensitive student information.

• Ensure all posts align with school guidelines.

• Stay professional—represent The Talon positively.

• Double-check spelling & captions before posting.

7. Classroom Etiquette & Collaboration

7.1 Professionalism in Class

• Respect deadlines, editors, and peers.

• Communicate clearly with team members.

• Be prepared for meetings, interviews, and brainstorming sessions.

7.2 Effective Communication

• Ask clarifying questions if unsure about instructions.

• Provide constructive feedback to peers when editing.

• Support your classmates by collaborating and sharing ideas.

8. Troubleshooting & Seeking Help

If you’re struggling with deadlines, formatting, or ideas:

• Ask an editor or teacher for guidance.

• Refer to the article template in the hidden page on Google Sites.

• Review previous issues of The Talon for inspiration.

Conclusion

Succeeding in The Talon requires dedication, organization, and teamwork. By staying on top of deadlines, writing high-quality articles, collaborating effectively, and following formatting guidelines, you’ll contribute to a successful publication while growing as a journalist.

Stay organized, be proactive, and enjoy the experience!