Q: Our book is expensive! Why does it cost so much?
A: Deja vu is actually one of the lowest priced yearbooks in the area, and we actually lowered the cost to $75 instead of $85 this school year for early bird sales. The publisher's price for each book is over $100. The difference between what students pay and what each book costs to produce is made up through the sale of Senior Tribute Ads.
Q: That seems like a lot of money for just a bunch of pictures. Why would I want pictures of something I already saw on social media?
A: A yearbook preserves the school year beyond both the calendar and changing technology, and reflects the events and lives of the MTHS community during the school year. Deja Vu is a history book, a memory book, a record book, and a reference book that combines essential storytelling elements of layout, design, photography, multimedia and words.
Q: Can I wait until books arrive to purchase one?
A: No. The 2023 yearbook will be sold through presales only, and we anticipate another sell-out so we advise you to purchase early. We have to submit our copy count to the publisher by the end of January. Once we do, we cannot add books to that count because our publishing company actually prints the yearbook pages as they are submitted in what is called a "signature," which is sixteen pages in a row, as one giant piece of paper, 8 pages on the front, 8 pages on the back. These are stored, then when our book is complete, the publisher will print the remaining pages, then cut the pages and bind the books. Books are available on a first-come, first-sold basis after we supply our copy count, and we cannot add copies to our order after we sell out. Keep in mind the books have been on sale since July 1, 2022 and students were kept informed all year about how many books remained available for purchase since November through announcements, direct emails, and social media posts.
Q: But I don't understand why I cannot call the publisher and buy a copy directly from them if you sell out. Why is this so?
A: The school has a contract with the yearbook company, and as such, the company deals with schools only. Single yearbooks cannot be printed on demand. A second yearbook run involves a minimum order of 75 books and is extremely cost-intensive due to time, labor, materials and setting up all of the publishing plates from scratch. We've inquired about second runs in the past, and the cost per book is close to $200 because of said expenses. Keep in mind the books have been on sale since July 1, 2022 and numerous attempts were made to keep all students informed as to how many books remained available for purchase since November.
Q: Are yearbooks from other years available to purchase?
A: No, we do not have any extra copies available of any yearbooks.
Q: What is this app I've been hearing about? There's no way the yearbook can come alive in my hands, right?
A: It will! Download the Walsworth AR app from your app store before distribution so you are ready. Once you receive your yearbook, open the app, point your device at the indicated trigger images/pages, and be amazed as moments from the school year come to life on your device.
Q: When will I receive my yearbook?
A: Books are distributed sometime in June. The actual distribution date is selected by administration and books will not be distributed to anyone prior to that date.
Q: What is the procedure for distribution?
A: Distribution details will be determined and announced by administration. Once that happens, we will post the details online and through emails to students.
Q: Who should I talk to if I have any other questions about yearbook sales that weren't answered here?
A: Email Mr. Schmidt, Yearbook Financial Adviser, at wschmidt@mtschools.org.