1. Chapter 7: Producing Your Proposal
PROPOSAL WRITING 402
Chapter 7: Producing Your Proposal

2. MAJOR CONTENTS Step 8: Proposal Production
Graphics: How and Why to Use Them
Using Graphics and Illustrations Effectively
Designing Tables, Charts, and Graphs

3. Step 8: Proposal Production
Production Guidelines
Know Your Client
Format - Swipe Files and Boilerplates

4. STEP 8: PROPOSAL PRODUCTION
Production usually occurs in the following order:
Rough drafts of all sections and graphics are given to the production team
The final proposal design and production of budget are developed and approved
A complete document is assembled and submitted to top management for review
All changes are inserted into the document; it is given a final edit, proofread, and printed
Top management and all team members area the proposal in a final review
Any further corrections are made
The document is printed, bound, and delivered to top management and the client

5. STEP 8: PROPOSAL PRODUCTION
Production Guidelines
The real trick is not to get the fanciest software but to know how use formatting, type styles, and graphics and illustration to your best advantage
The right presentation of your data can make it easier for the client to read, understand, and appreciate your grasp of their situation and your proposed solutions
Know Your Client
This rule “know your client” is as true for the production side of proposal writing as it is for the development side
Get to know the personality or style of the client firm and tailor your production preparation accordingly
A clash between the proposal’s style and the client’s preferred style puts needless obstacle in your path

6. STEP 8: PROPOSAL PRODUCTION
Format - Swipe Files and Boilerplates
Most firms have an established format for their proposal
Some firms may use a variety of formats, depending on the type of project for which they are bidding
Works done for previous clients can be placed in computer swipe files or as part of the company boilerplates

7. Graphics: How and Why to Use Them?
Criteria for Using Graphics Instead of Words
You need to describe complex technical or physical processes
You have complex numerical or statistical data to convey
You are describing something that requires the reader to form a mental image in order to understand it
You want to present information in a form the reader will be able to recall easily

8. Using Graphics and Illustrations Effectively
Type of Illustrations
Common Errors
Interpreting Illustrations

9. Using Graphics and Illustrations Effectively
Type of Illustrations
Table
Pie chart/circle graph
Bar chart
Line graph
Organization and flow charts
Pictures and symbols

10. Using Graphics and Illustrations Effectively
Commmon Errors
Use only the graphics essential to the proposal text
Make sure all your graphics and tables are designed to the same scale
Be sure the terms you use in the graphic or table are the same terms used in the text
Use your best judgment when constructing there-dimensional (3D) chart
Cite the graphic or table in the text as close to the relevant information as possible
Be consistent with the format you use to set up tables, charts, and graphs
Number all graphics consecutively throughout your paper
Cite your source for the information in each graphic

11. Using Graphics and Illustrations Effectively
Interpreting Illustrations
It is not enough simply to insert graphics into your proposal; thus, our readers need to know what the graphics mean, and you must interpret the data for them

12. Designing Tables, Charts, and Graphs
Tables: showing numbers
Bar chart: showing relationships among groups
Circle chart : showing relationships to the whole
Line Chart: Showing trends over times
Pictorial/symbol graphics: showing data in visual form

13. Designing Tables, Charts, and Graphs
A few general guidelines for designing effective illustrations
All illustrations should be identified by number and title
All element of the illustration should be properly labeled
Keep the number of colors or patterns to a minimum in any one illustration
Place keys/legends/graphic/notes place them in a position that does not obscure any part of the illustration