Annual Report Writer | Annual Report Writing Services
APRU: Project Summary
For the past three years, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) has engaged my annual report writing services.
As the annual report writer I delivered a 15,000-word report summarising the organisation’s activities and achievements over the year. APRU is the voice of knowledge and innovation and uses its unique geographical reach across the Americas, Asia and Australasia to bring together thought leaders, researchers and policy-makers to collaborate on effective solutions to 21st-century challenges.
Writer for Annual Report: The Objective
As the annual report writer, each year, I ensure the report summarises the work of APRU, while providing stakeholders with insights into how activities align with the organisation’s future strategy and objectives. The document is a prominent showcase of the impact APRU has through its work, and is launched each year at the Annual Presidents’ Meeting.
As well as a record of its achievements, APRU uses the annual report to further position itself as a thought leader on challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region, and to support the work of policy-makers and stakeholders at the national and international level.
“We’ve worked with Kim on three APRU annual reports. With each annual report project we’re always impressed by Kim’s ability to not only provide copywriting but help us through the entire process – from selecting the theme, to the chapter layout to providing feedback on design. Kim is an organised and helpful copywriter and always happy to go the extra mile.”
Annual Report Copywriting Process
I follow a clear annual report writing process which ensures I deliver a result that keeps your organisation’s overall strategy in focus.
In addition to writing the words for your report, I support you on the process from beginning to end. This includes exploring and presenting options for the report theme, offering guidance on structure, gathering the right information by undertaking research and interviewing stakeholders and supporting you in the design stage to ensure your annual report is a success.
Step 1: Creating a Compelling Narrative and Finding a Theme
After reviewing previous annual reports and undertaking background research into the organisation, the first step in the project is to find a compelling theme.
A theme gives the annual report an editorial focus from beginning to end, and encapsulates the key message into a cover line. As well as providing a story for the year, which is more likely to stay in the mind of the readers, a theme ensures each chapter comes together as a cohesive narrative rather than feel like standalone sections. With many annual reports, information is pulled from different stakeholders and focus areas – a theme is an effective tool to ensure this messaging comes together.
For APRU, the report isn’t simply an overview of what the organisation did over the year. Each report shows how its activities further its role as an organisation in line with its long-term objectives. Each theme selected over the last three years reflects APRU’s larger strategy within the unique context of the year.
Step 2: Pagination and Chapter Key Messages
An essential part of the project is to structure the information and report chapters to make them accessible and logical for the reader. I always keep the needs of the audience in mind to ensure the report delivers the right information in the right place at the right time.
After deciding on the report theme, the next step in the process is to develop the annual report pagination. The pagination lays out the report chapters to ensure a strong narrative. It also sets out practical elements like word count for each section and the number of physical pages ( an important consideration if the report will be printed).
For each chapter in the pagination, we assign a series of key messages. Whether activities, achievements or principles, this ensures we communicate the essential information in each chapter.
Step 3: Writing the Annual Report and Making it Engaging
Annual report writers should possesses strong writing skills, the ability to quickly get up to speed with your organisation and feel comfortable interviewing senior decision-makers. At the same time, your chosen writer should bring new ideas to the table.
While the academic world APRU operates within can be quite traditional, with each annual report we try to incorporate new ways to enhance how we deliver information to make the report more engaging. These efforts include leveraging case study interviews and incorporating infographics, interesting facts and pull quotes to highlight key messages. In the most recent reports we aligned the chapters with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting how APRU’s work supports the pursuit of these global goals for the future of humanity.
Step 4: Editing and Annual Report Design
Throughout the writing and editing process, it’s essential to consider page layout and readability. In each chapter, we leveraged headers and text boxes to highlight key information and break up chunks of text.
After writing the report, each chapter is reviewed by relevant stakeholders. I usually undertake an iterative feedback and editing process for maximum efficiency. Finally, during the design process, I supported APRU in giving feedback and direction to their appointed design team. This process helps to ensure the copy and design work hand in hand and that the layout remains reader friendly.
Get in touch to discuss your project and my annual report writing services.
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