Welcome to Day 22 of the 30-Day Grant Readiness Challenge!
Does the thought of “red pencil” markups on your draft make you cringe? Many grant writers are reticent to share their work because they view editing as a critique rather than a collaboration.
However, collaborative editing is the best way to stop “tunnel vision” and ensure that your proposal is airtight. Today, you will set up your team’s internal review workflow.
6 Steps to a Successful Collaborative Review
Step 1: Build the Editing Timeline
Don’t leave editing for the last 24 hours before your application deadline. Build in multiple review checkpoints throughout your grant writing timeline to reduce stress and prevent major rewrites later.
Step 2: Assemble Your Editorial Team
Recruit 3 to 4 people to play specific roles:
- The Subject Matter Expert: Knows the research and technical field.
- Quality Control: Ensures alignment with the RFP and your Style Guide.
- The Reality Checker: The staff member who will actually implement the project if it is funded.
- The Commentator: Someone with fresh eyes who hasn’t been involved in the day-to-day writing.
Step 3: Align on Goals
Ensure that the team is clear on the grant’s purpose before they start editing. If they don’t know what you’re trying to achieve, their feedback might lead the narrative off track.
Step 4: Choose Your Toolbox
Decide on your tech (e.g., Google Docs, Dropbox, or Track Changes), and agree on the resource that has the final word on grammar and style disagreements. (We recommend the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition!)
Step 5: Adopt an Editing Mantra
Encourage editors to find three elements done well for every one element that they suggest revising. Positive reinforcement keeps the team motivated and focused on the story.
Step 6: Close the Loop
Share the final submission with the whole team. Regardless of the outcome, discuss how the collaborative process worked and what great ideas were sparked for future opportunities.
Strengthen Your Team Workflow
Use these resources to make your collaboration more effective:
- Watch: Grant Writing Isn’t a Solo Sport: Grant Professionals Are the Quarterback – Learn how to break down the silos and build a true editorial culture.
- Read: 5 Tips for Editing Your Full Grant Proposal – Discover expert tips on what to look for when you’re the Quality Control editor.
- Assess: How does your team’s editing process affect your competitiveness? Take the GRASP Tool assessment to find out.
Join the Discussion
We want to hear from you! Who is the most important person on your Editorial Team? Is it the fresh-eyed commentator or the Reality Checker from the front lines?
Leave a note in the comments below and let us know how your team applies the red pencil!