Detailed Content Planning Timeline

6 Weeks Before Deadline

1. Attend the National Content Call (2nd Tuesday of the month) to review ideas and updates.
2. Email writers and local content resources:
   • Share monthly themes and concepts.
   • Request content pitches related to those ideas.
3. Decide which local content to pursue.

5 Weeks Before Deadline

1. Select layouts and assign content in ARC.
   • Ensure photographers take both horizontal and vertical images.
2. Send assignments to freelance photographers and writers with:
   • Contact info, word count, and required photos.
   • Clear guidance on content goals and your vision.
3. Ask contributors to contact featured individuals within one week.
   • Everyone has different schedules with work and travel, it is important to give a business and individuals plenty of time to accommodate interviews and photography.
4. Encourage over-communication to avoid delays.
5. Set contributor deadlines 5-7 days before your actual deadline for buffer time.
   • This allows time to make adjustments or retrieve additional information/photography. 

4 Weeks Before Deadline

1. Start anchor content (e.g., Business Monthly, City Scene).
2. Begin planning the Calendar of Events.
3. Conduct interviews for any content you’re writing to free up time for other tasks.

3 Weeks Before Deadline

1. Collect writing and photography from the team.
2. Upload materials to ARC.
3. Immediately check photo quality and request adjustments if needed.
4. Begin receiving Print Ready Previews from the previous issue.

2 Weeks Before Deadline

1. Confirm with the Publisher that you’ll receive:
   • Business Monthly, City Scene, Calendar of Events, Advertiser Acknowledgments (if needed).
2. Send reminders to partners for content due one week before the deadline.
3. Verify that all photos (horizontal and vertical) have been received.
4. Check with the Publisher about possible page count changes.
   • Use ARC’s stock content if additional materials are needed.
5. Start planning the next month’s issue.

1 Week Before Deadline

1. Upload all content and photos to ARC.
2. Begin copyediting:
   • Request edits from a copyeditor 2-3 days before the deadline, or handle them yourself.
3. Finalize content in ARC:
   • Add hyperlinks, pulled quotes, headings, and photo captions.
   • Ensure word count matches layout needs.

1-2 Days Before Deadline

1. Complete these sections:
   • Table of Contents, Cover, Masthead, Lifestyle Letter, Calendar of Events, and any open areas.
2. Confirm ad sales with the Publisher for any last-minute page count changes.
3. Incorporate copyediting updates.
4. Reserve the deadline day for final adjustments.
5. For borrowed content, obtain approval from the original writer and Publisher.

Key Reminder

Following this process ensures all content is uploaded at least 2 days before the deadline, keeping production smooth and on schedule.