Continuation Head

Definition:

When an article continues or jumps to another page, the continuation head is the headline that appears atop the continued article. It is often an alternative or shortened version of the original story headline.

The continuation headlines, along with jumplines, provide continuity and cue the reader as to where to pick up reading in your newspaper, magazine, or newsletter design. — Learn more about designing continuation heads

Typically continuation heads are accompanied by a jumpline to differentiate this continuing story from a new story and to help the reader find where to start reading after jumping to a new page. They are one of many visual signposts used in page layout to help the reader navigate a document effectively. The continuation head is also another opportunity to snag the reader who may be flipping through a publication, even if they haven't read the first part of the story.

Continuation Heads and Desktop Publishing Software

As with other heads, using style sheets and paragraph styles helps to maintain visual consistency throughout a document. While the continuation head typically uses the same typeface as the main headline, it is often a smaller typesize so you'll probably want a separate paragraph style from other headlines and subheadings. Using the exact same style for headlines and continuation heads can cause visual confusion when both types of head appear on the same page. Additionally, use a style that differentiates the continuation head from the body of the story.

Not every jumped story needs a continuation head. It depends on the preferred style of the publication. In some cases a short word or phrase may be incorporated into the jumpline in lieu of a separate headline. For example, a story about a new peacock habitat at the local zoo may continue on another page with something such as: "Peacocks" continued from page 1.

Writing Headlines

As the designer you may not be responsible for writing the heads, only making them look good. But in those cases where you are also the copywriter, learn how to put together headlines, subheads, and continuation headlines that grab attention with words.

• About.com Journalism: Write Great Headlines is aimed at journalists.
• About.com Desktop Publishing: How to Write Effective Headlines offers copywriting tips for designers and other non-writers.
• About.com Media: Writing Headlines for the Web helps you write headlines specifically for Web sites.
• About.com Marketing: Killer Headlines and Hooks is primarily aimed at heads in your marketing materials.

Also Known As: continuation headline | jump headline