As submission deadlines approach, yearbook teams often focus on finishing pages as quickly as possible. After months of writing captions, collecting photos, and designing spreads, it can be tempting to upload the files and move on. But the final review stage is one of the most important parts of the production process.

For many yearbook programs, it is routine to renew with the same publisher. Deadlines are approaching, and the year is busy! It is less complicated to continue with what is familiar. Your publisher plays a major role in the success of your program, not just in printing your book. The publisher supports your team, guides your workflow, and helps you bring your creative vision to life.

No adviser ever says, “I wish we included less.” But every year, schools look back and think: “We should have covered that.” “I can’t believe we didn’t document that.” “I wish we had asked students about that moment.” By late February, most books are well underway, which makes this the perfect time to pause and ask: Are we capturing everything that matters? Schools often regret not including these 5 things: