Any tips for Collaborative Desktop Publishing? (Specifically for Layout Artists)

Hello everyone! I'm a scitech writer, and also a sports writer. But I was put into collaborative desktop publishing as the LAYOUT ARTIST due to my experience in digital art and having a keen eye for design. And I'd like to ask for tips regarding how to layout in collab. I was recruited just this week when the competition itself is next week Saturday and I'm struggling to learn.. So please, any tips are greatly appreciated!!! Thank u!! :D