This pithy little book is a lifeline for anyone who has ever struggled to write a grant proposal. In clear, lucid prose, PW
contributing editor Barbato demystifies a process most of us classify somewhere between daunting and incomprehensible. By the time you've finished reading, you'll believe you can do what he promises in the title; if you follow his user-friendly directions, you probably will. In 51 short chapters (two pages apiece), Barbato covers everything from why you need more than a good idea and how best to communicate with a particular funder. Some suggestions are obvious ("Find giving guidelines that resonate beautifully with your need. Then, you and the prospective donor will have, if not a bond, at least a strong interest in common"). Others are clearly the result of Barbato's experience as a veteran proposal writer and the author of five previous books. To get background information on a topic you're not familiar with, he suggests reading a young-adult novel in addition to surfing the Internet or checking encyclopedia articles. He also recommends waiting around if you're interviewing a source. "Let him stop you at the door as you're leaving," he writes. "I've found many experts at their lucid best just at that final moment in the interview. They want to make sure you understand." For anyone facing the difficult task of writing a funding proposal, Barbato's advice is sound, clear and to the point. (July)
