How to Write Reports and Proposals

by Patrick Forsyth

Forsyth provides practical pointers on presenting a proposal clearly and persuasively. Using checklists, exercises and examples, he explains how to make a plan, transfer ideas into writing and edit them to achieve best results.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Writing

118 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

I have written many books for business, but more recently I have had what my daughter calls "proper books" published. Three novels: "Long Overdue", "Loose Ends" and "A Rather Curious Crime"; also three books of light-hearted travel writing all set in South East Asia. "First class at last" features a journey on the Orient Express of Asia, out from Singapore, through Malaysia and into Thailand, "Beguiling Burma" features a river trip, and "Smile because it happened" is about things that make you smile in the land of smiles: Thailand.

I am active in the writing world, am a Fellow of SWWJ and a member of the Society of Authors, I write regularly for "Writing Magazine, give talks about my writing (especially the travel writing) and have also conducted writing workshops.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as I needed to write a proposal that stood out from the competition. My prior proposals were following a stale format. So as I read through I put everything relevant into practice.
The result was a professional presentation that gained comments internally. I don't know if it got us the business as we are waiting for news from the client.
I found the book to be very straightforward and provided good insights that got me going through old reports and proposals and realising how bad they were. They followed all the bad points raised in this book, such as using way to formal words that gave a stilted style of reading. Plus they were too introspective.

I thoroughly recommend this book to those who need to write reports and feel they could be better.
I found the proposal checklist to be very useful.

[Eduardo Lira · Rating 4 out of 5]

8.5/10

[Larry Hou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick glance through.

[Mohammedrabiu Abdullahi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am blessed to laid my hand on this book, Thanks you Mr Forsyth.

[Darren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small, pocket-sized book that is a great guide, teacher or aide-memoire to writing reports and proposals, allowing the reader to refine or even start from scratch things they may write in a business setting. Naturally, some of the same skills and knowledge can be transferrable into their private life too.

The author mixes practical advice, checklists, exercises and real-world examples to great effect. You either have a need for this book or you don’t. It is conceivable that old, experienced hands may even find the odd refinement or two inside too! It doesn’t hurt to look and the content has not been dumbed down to the level that sadly some beginners-type books tend to present in the form of being user-friendly.

There is nothing to complain about with the book’s price and you will get your money’s worth, that is not in doubt. It is a quality book offered at a competitive, attractive price. It is a book for do-ers who want to get actionable information in an easy-to-digest and implement format. The book is well-structured, clear and understandable with great content just as a good report should be, as espoused by the author through this book! He has clearly taken his own medicine.

That’s it! A short review for a little book that won’t leave you short on knowledge. Recommended for further consideration.


[Walker Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pros: This book is insightful. I work in a field where we must show respect to our patrons, but we seem to do everything but this when it comes to addressing individuals. For instance, our badges display our preferred pronouns, but this is not the case for the public. In the book, there is still no clear guidance on how to address this "upcoming" issue. It was nice to get reminders on how to navigate office politics nowadays. We all could use a reminder periodically to stay current. Well, this book addresses that and so much more. I learned new techniques that I will implement in my workspace, like repetition, proofreading, and separating information for clarity. We are all in a rush, but the difference in our appearance is noticing when we take care of the writing material we deliver. The author wrote an excellent book that will be a great addition to library shelves.

Cons: I am a visual person, and having graphic examples would have been nice.

[roxi Net · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book to review for a while and I've been to busy constantly going back to it referring to it's tips and tricks to actually write the review. I've reviewed two more books in this "Creating Success" series and I absolutely love them and it shows by them actually being useful in the real life. There are examples that drive the points home, exercises to work through, summary points, and checklists. I actually wish I had a hardcopy to refer to (I'm still 'old school') since I'd like to mark a copy up, especially using the great diagrams but as I mentioned, I keep going back to this great reference tool.

[roxi Net · Rating 4 out of 5]

(from first edition) I've had this book to review for a while and I've been to busy constantly going back to it referring to it's tips and tricks to actually write the review. I've reviewed two more books in this "Creating Success" series and I absolutely love them and it shows by them actually being useful in the real life. There are examples that drive the points home, exercises to work through, summary points, and checklists. I actually wish I had a hardcopy to refer to (I'm still 'old school') since I'd like to mark a copy up, especially using the great diagrams but as I mentioned, I keep going back to this great reference tool.

[Israel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patrick is such a well articulated writer. He explains the dos and don’t in preparing professional proposals and documents, so that your readers will be moved to take action.

A very instructive book!

[Choong Chiat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful but the advice & tips in this book perhaps can also found in other books and this book did not present them in a very illuminating manner.

[Saretta · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5
Recensione su: http://wp.me/p3X6aw-12t
Review at: http://wp.me/p3X6aw-12x

[Heather Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Write Reports and Proposals is a good book with great advice and helpful information. Easy to understand and insightful.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great series of reference books. This one gave great examples on gaining writing skills. I will definitely refer back to the ideas given and use some for my profession.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful little book, full of helpful tips and reminders, examples and case studies. A great primer for anyone (everyone) in business.