The next step in my proposal writing outline is “Schedule.” But do we really need to discuss this?

Tell them how much of the book is written and how long it’s going to take you to write the rest. All done.

Oh, except… make sure you add at least a month to your own estimate, before you put it down on paper, so that (a) when your great aunt calls and offers you an all-expenses paid trip to France, you can say yes (b) you don’t have to panic while writing the last chapter, becoming steadily grumpier until your family is forced to move in with the neighbors and (c) you’re not the loser calling up your publisher to ask for an extension.

Voila. Schedule. Brace yourself for my big example:

Schedule
I will need three months to complete the manuscript.




To read more about this subject:
Proposal Writing 5: Readership
Proposal Writing 4: Format
Proposal Writing 3: The Summary
Proposal Writing 2: The Outline
Proposal Writing 1: The Reasons Why