Modern desktop programs suggest several newsletter layouts. They recommend the best locations for inserting graphic images, and they insert some generic material for basic articles. The result is like a game - just fill in the blanks and your newsletter is ready. Desktop publishing programs do the background work, and you just have to fill in the necessary information.

Your published document will be effective, since professional graphic artists laid it out in a way that is logical, sensible, and pleasing to the eye.

Do not belittle this aspect of newsletter production. Readers expect newsletter components to be placed on fixed locations on the page. You probably do not give this issue much thought when reading a newsletter or newspaper. However, you intuitively read various articles in a logical manner, without studying the arrangement of the document.

The procedure for preparing a document is quite simple. Select the preformatted newsletter template that suits you best. Choose a paper size, layout, and typeface that match your feelings, temperament, and possibly the effect that you want to promote in your club, organization, or company.

Fill in the information. Add graphics from the program's collection or from any other graphics collection. If you don't like the graphics that are available, create or scan in graphics of your own.

Place the images in their reserved locations. You can put them in a different place if you like, but keep in mind that this layout was prepared professionally, and it is effective. If you do want to change the location, be sure that your new location is equally effective.

Change the preformatted headlines and text so that they to match your subject. Sit back and admire your completed newsletter.

Your desktop publishing program affords you a great deal of flexibility when preparing the newsletter, so go ahead and experiment. Work now to prepare a newsletter for a cause that you would like to promote. After a few tries, you will discover that you can prepare an entire newsletter in a jiffy.