How to Write Proposals that Produce

Whether a proposal is a solicitation for funds, a project bid, or an internal call for action, the techniques for creating it are the same. Because of this, there has long been a need for a general but comprehensive work on the subject of proposal writing that is well-written and easy to follow. This book takes a thorough look at what makes these documents work and the steps involved in putting together a winning proposal--from in-house memos to voluminous bids for government contracts. The authors explain exactly what an effective proposal is and what it should do. They even discuss how to prepare for the oral presentations that are often required in the final evaluation process. Nearly 50 examples of sample documents, abstracts, tables of contents, formats, and headings complement their clear and concise text.

Table of Contents:
The Nature of Proposals; Audience; Strategies for Success; The Writing Process - Beginning and Revising; The Writing Process - Grammar and Style; Special Techniques - Headings, Lists and Tables; Special Techniques - Graphs and Charts; Format and Appearance; The Finished Document; Proposal Evaluations; Oral Presentations; Documentation.

About the Author :
Joel P. Bowman, PhD, is professor of business information systems, College of Business, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. He has published reference books and textbooks, and frequently lectures on the importance of successful communication in business. Bernadine P. Branchaw, EdD, now deceased, was a professor at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. She published reference books and textbooks and frequently lectured on the importance of successful communication in business.

Review :
"It is full of tips, lists, and guidelines that are practical for every proposal writer." - Technical Communication "The information is solid and essential for any business depending upon proposal-writing skills." - The Bookwatch "Bowman and Branchaw should be commended. . . . [T]he business professional will find it a noteworthy addition to his or her personal reference library. Students who are assigned this text in an advanced professional writing or business course would be wise to do the same." - The Bulletin "I worked as a marketing assistant for a civil engineering first . . . through my experience I learned an absolute truth of business communication: Analyze your audience, then write about their needs and desires. What a shame that I didn't know about this book." - Business Information Alert