SPELLING ANNUAL REPORT RELIEF: ALL TOGETHER NOW!

"If anybody has any reason why this annual report shouldn't be printed as written, speak now or forever hold your peace."
  
The CEO's letter, the marketing copy, the MD&A - everything is done. Now is the time for a last round of edits before your annual report goes to press.
  
The best way to do this is to have a meeting with all the key players - anyone who has a say in the annual report. Set aside three or four hours for this gathering.
 
Elements of a top-notch final group edit meeting:
 
1. The presence of anybody who has a say and can answer questions related to the annual report, including executives, the graphic designer, the writer and the person who will be keying in the changes.
2. A page-by-page, paragraph-by-paragraph, review of the annual report.
3. One person to compile edits on a master copy.
4. Discussion of any questionable changes until there's agreement.
5. Ending the meeting only when everyone feels complete.
 
Editing by committee is an interesting process. Although a meeting to compile final annual report changes is not exactly enjoyable, it is an excellent way to make sure everyone has his or her say.
       
© 2004 Donna Kozik. For information about Donna’s writing services, visit 
http://www.DonnaKozik.com.