Understanding the Process of Writing Proposals
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Understanding the Process of Writing Proposals
Writing a proposal calls for the same process of planning, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading that you use for other kinds of documents. The Focus on Process box presents an overview of this process.
FOCUS ON PROCESS
When writing a proposal, pay special attention to these steps in the writing process.
| PLANNING | Consider your readers’ knowledge about and attitudes toward what you are proposing. Use the techniques discussed in Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 to learn as much as you can about your readers’ needs and about the subject. Also consider whether you have the personnel, facilities, and equipment to do what you propose to do. | |
| DRAFTING | Collaboration is critical in large proposals because no one person has the time and expertise to do all the work. See Chapter 4 for more about collaboration. In writing the proposal, follow the instructions in any request for proposal (RFP) or information for bid (IFB) from the prospective customer. If there are no instructions, follow the structure for proposals outlined in this chapter. | |
| REVISING | 
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External proposals usually have a firm deadline. Build in time to revise, edit, and proofread the proposal thoroughly and still get it to readers on time. See the Writer’s Checklist. |
| EDITING | ||
| PROOFREADING |