Writing Successful Science Proposals

by Carol L. Folt, Andrew J. Friedland, Jennifer L. Mercer, et al.

Book Overview

This fully revised edition of the most authoritative guide to science proposal writing is essential for any scientist embarking on a thesis or grant application. Completely updated and with entirely new chapters on private foundation funding and interdisciplinary research, the book explains each step of the proposal process in detail. Praise for the first edition: "This exceptionally useful and affordable handbook will serve as a refresher to seasoned...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300119399
• ISBN13: 9780300119398
• Release Date: June 2009
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Length: 201 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Great tool for starting.

Is a good book to start writing your proposal, because it gives you suggestions, exercises and ideas that guide your writing. It's concise and well written. The authors have experience in the subject and include a lot of real-life examples. I recommend this book for anyone how needs an extra push to start writing, or for the begginer in proposals writing.

Indispensable for new grant writers

I used to think Miner & Miner had the best book on "Proposal Planning and Writing," until I read this. Easy to read and re-read, this short book distills the wisdom of many mentors into a thoughtful, well-organized, and still timely package. Practical techniques (e.g. completing administrative and technical tasks are an easy way to get started) are interspersed with actual examples of various sections of a grant. Consider it a small investment relative to the grant you will ultimately get!

Good overview of the content and organization of a proposal

Friedland and Folt provide a very nice, concise guide to writing research proposals. They go over the organization of the proposal, what is important to get across in what sections, and also touch on the "storytelling" aspects, such as funneling from broad themes to specifics. I also found useful the list a range of funding sources.The only major drawback to the book as a general reference is that it is heavily oriented towards experimental biology. Much of the nuts-and-bolts advice doesn't apply to theoretical work, and little or no equivalent advice is given for theoretical proposals.

Frieland and Folt a Success

Friedland and Folt are the Strunk and White of proposal writing. They have written a clear, concise guide to scientific proposal writing that captures the essence of the scientific enterprise.

Essential reading for all beginning PhD students

Writing a PhD prospectus can be pretty intimidating. Where do you start? What do you include? What do you not include? This little book has the answers, and it has been an enormous help to me as I write my own proposal. Friedland and Folt's book is very clear and well-written, and full of practical information on how to write a clear, concise, and exciting proposal. Exercises along the way help to guide you step-by-step through the whole thought process. With this book in hand, writing a prospectus almost seems easy! This book should be sent to all first-year students, along with their registration materials.