Abstract
The authors describe the focus of this book was to provide the readers “ … the tools to present the work they are proposing with clarity and conviction-and to show others its importance and potential” (preface, xi). It is broken down into three primary sections: (1) preparing the proposal, (2) types of proposals, and (3) specific aims. Their rationale for the book helps to explain so much as to the style and content, “ … we have found that our suggestions have helped people write winning proposals. Thus, for all those who want to change the world, we recommend that you use this book as a guide to propose change throughout your career” (preface, xii).
The book’s content is relevant to its intent and the enclosed material is up to date. This was one of only a few books that the reviewers could find through Google Scholar identified as specific to writing health-related grant proposals.
Consistent with the author’s intent, the material provides very practical advice and is easy to read. It is almost like talking with an expert who has asked the very same questions that an author may have. The authors provide useful information and guidance for every detail involved in developing a proposal. For example, tips (e.g., differences among types of—quick review of literature for National Institutes of Health (NIH) proposal vs. detailed information for PhD dissertation) are useful especially for inexperienced authors. The breakdown of the stages for the literature review provides very practical information about what to do, specific sources, and strategies compared to other frameworks. The guidance would be very useful for a thesis or dissertation chair to advise their students.
The writing style of the authors is more informative and based on a relaxed conversational style. This favorably compares to many other how to or instructional books which provide their information in more of a lecture style. Reading this work is more like visiting a mentor who is willing to share everything obtained from his or her experiences by providing advice that is helpful for your career rather than just focusing on writing the proposal.
The book is also comprehensive, so that users can find most of the useful information for writing a successful proposal within this one source. The authors address each part of proposals (e.g., from the title to budget). Inclusion of the templates and work sheets was very helpful and allows the readers to adapt them to a particular project. Providing information about the types of proposals would be very useful, especially for students who do not know what kinds of funding opportunities that are out there. For example, inclusion of an educational training grant proposal could be especially helpful and one that few may be aware of.
The information about how writing proposals is not a one-time experience but must, in some way, relate to what has been done before, and how it could be done differently was clear and concise. Writing a winning proposal is not about only technical knowledge but also must provide the “big picture” or context of why what you want to accomplish is important. Although helpful in numerous ways, there were some limitations to its content: (1) its comprehensiveness sometimes makes it difficult to find information quickly, (2) if the preface identified strengths of this book compared to other grant writing options (included in the introduction section), (3) the content is somewhat time limited and in some respects is already outdated by publication (e.g., NIH changes, in the references section), and (iv) if possible, it would be helpful to provide the purchasers of the hard copy edition either an electronic version of templates and worksheets or designated website because some weblinks are excessively long and cumbersome. And finally, additional information identifying the level of grant writing sophistication of the intended audience. Because this book is designed to help any level, it would be helpful to provide bullet points or highlight items in each chapter how this book can be used with different levels of grant experience.
Overall, the book is well written and contains significant information for those attempting to develop and submit a grant. It is beneficial for less experienced users in the absence of highlighted details for different levels of experience.