58 Proposal-Writing Checklist

As you reread and revise your proposal, use the following checklist to ensure clarity, professionalism, and effectiveness:

1. Use the correct format.

• Use memo format for internal proposals.

• Use business-letter format for external proposals.

2. Write a clear and engaging introduction.

• Make sure your purpose is obvious from the start.

• Clearly state what you are proposing to do.

3. Include a written deliverable.

• Ensure your project includes a written component (such as a report, summary, or findings).

4. Organize sections logically.

• Present your ideas in a logical, natural order.

• Avoid presenting the schedule or budget before you have explained the project and its value.

5. Break down the costs.

• Provide specific details such as hourly rates, estimated hours, and material costs.

• For internal proposals, include time and resource costs (e.g., printing or staff support), even if no direct payment is involved.

6. Include qualifications.

• Summarize relevant skills, experience, and training.

• This is especially important if the reader does not know you well.

7. Avoid overly technical language.

• Use language that both specialists and non-specialists can understand.

• Explain or define technical terms when needed.

8. Proofread and revise carefully.

• Check for correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

• Ensure your tone is professional, and your writing is clear and concise.

Attribution

This section contains material from Chapter 13.6 “Revision Checklist for Proposal” in Fundamentals of Business Communication Revised (2022) and is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

References

References are at the end of this chapter.