Write clearly. Don't make your readers guess what you mean.
Write concisely. Don't waste limited space on repetition or unnecessary text.
Write from the reader's point of view. Make reasons, assumptions, and connections explict.
Assume non-experts in your field will also read your proposal.Knowledgeable "lay" readers should understand the introductory and general sections. Avoid jargon.
Have a professional colleague read your draft for content.
Have a non-expert read and critique your draft for readability and comprehensibility.
If English is not your native language, have a native speaker review your draft for grammar and expression.
Check factual data -- numbers, dates, names, etc. -- when you enter them in the document. It may be easier than catching mistakes later.
Proofread very carefully!
Citing Sources Using a Citation Manager
Keep track of all of your reference lists and bibliographies. Pitt's library resources work with citation management tools and allow you to import citations from sources like PittCat and article databases.
Mendeley manages your reference lists and serves as an academic social network. Organize your research, collaborate with others online, and discover the latest research.
EndNote allows you to search online bibliographic databases, organize references and create and format instant bibliographies. It's integrated with Microsoft Word as well.
Zotero is an application that collects, manages, and cites research sources. It's easy to use, connects with your web browser to download sources, and best of all it's free.
