One of the trickiest parts of securing a freelance job is knowing how to write a winning project proposal. Not only do you need to show off your strengths and experience; you need to write the proposal in a way that suits the Employer. There are a number of approaches you can take. Some projects might only need a brief, informal project proposal. Other projects with more moving pieces might require a more formal, in-depth proposal. Here are a few samples of project proposals you can use as a starting point.
Example #1: Formal Approach
[NAME OF FREELANCER/COMPANY] proposes to produce, shoot, and edit a promotional video for [THE CLIENT]. The purpose of the video will be to showcase new features available on [THE CLIENT]’s website. The video will take the form of one 2-3 minute video that includes live action footage and basic graphics/text as well as 2D animation. The concept and script shall be provided by the client in English.
Pre-Production – provided by the client.
Shooting (1 Camera Operator, 1 Graphic Animator) – up to 10 hrs each
$900
Includes all necessary equipment for a 1-camera shoot, including HD camera and a lav mics. Shooting will include demonstration of website use, rehearsing lines, blocking & staging, shooting multiple angles & several takes, close-ups, capturing audio, developing script, lighting if needed. Graphics & Animation includes 2D rendering using images sourced by [FREELANCER/COMPANY NAME] requested by the client.Editing (1 Editor, 1 Week)
$500
Includes digitizing, rough cut, fine edit, transitions, rendering, titling & graphics, color correction, audio syncing, music tracks, broadcast standards. Two rounds of edits per video.Exporting/Deliverables
$200
Includes media conversions, DVD and/or Blu-Ray Disc authoring, Data Disc with full-resolution video for broadcast and web uploads . A portable “thumb” external hard drive with all final exports in full HD will be delivered to the client upon request. Includes all expenses for video tape, lighting expendables, mileage and other expenses.Grand Total…………………………………………………….$1600.00
Thank you,
John Smith
Video Producer
www.johnsmith.com
Example #2: More Informal
Hi there,
I’d like to be considered for your writing position. I’m a strategic writer with a strong background developing online content, including blog posts, social media posts, articles, press releases and other branded copy. I can turn a phrase in a way that represents your brand and appeals to your target audience. Whether you need a formal, serious tone or a more playful one, I can make the transition with ease.For 11 years I’ve worked in marketing and so I am accustomed to working with all sorts of products and services, and in a variety of industries. I have a deep passion for research and guarantee that all of my writing is 100% original.
I highly value professionalism and hold myself strictly accountable to represent my client’s brand. I aim to form a long-term working relationship. I charge $275.00 for 400-600 word articles, but if you are interested in a larger volume of work each month, I can offer a lower rate.
Please, let me know what is needed to secure this bid!
Thank you for your consideration.
Jane
Example #3: Short with Attachments
Hello,
I would love to edit your articles for you.
I charge $75 per 750 word article. This includes track changes and any revisions you may like. I could handle at least 25 articles per week.
Please see my detailed proposal and samples attached. You can also take a look at my Guru reviews.
I’m glad to answer any questions you may have!
Thank you for your time,
Joan
14 Comments
Hi Anna, I was hoping to find a sample of a more intensive proposal, I am currently putting together a proposal for a housing project and have no idea in which direction I should go in terms of setting out the document.
Im new to guru but really want to get into the freelance writting business. But Im haveing a hard time writing a proposal. Do you have any examples for new comers like me?
Hi,
I m new on guru.com.
I have applied many projects on oDesk & Elance. I m very comfertable with those.
Now I wanted to work with guru.com.
I saw many proposal related with my co. profile but I don’t know how to apply. There is showing to submit detail of expenses. So plz help me so that I can start my job with guru.
Hi,
I appreciate the support you guys are providing for freelance writers, but kindly be more professional and focus on more official subjects, such as consulting or surveying project proposals.
And to be honest i have never seen a cover letter (for any kind of proposal) starting with Hi or hello.
Look forward for further improvements of this website.
🙂
I am new to this virtual world of work and I am unable to find work in my small town, but desire to make a difference in the lives of others while earning an income. I honestly feel I overprice my work because the few I have made a proposal too did not get back to me, although compared to what others charge I am thinking my asking fee is small. I have never really had to sell myself in the jobs I have had before because my skills on my resume spoke for me, but through the virtual world, they do not see me or have not seen my resume, so I am unsure how to go about doing that other than to state what I can do. I also have no samples of data entry work or transcription work because I worked in the medical field and it is a matter of confidentiality, so what is a person to do if they do not have those kind of things to prove what you can do? I really long to become a part of this work world, but feel lost. Thank you!!
I’m struggling to write a water project but just don’t know how to get started and really need help. I’ve discovered this site and hoping you can help me solve my writing proposal problems.
Anna, thanks for great examples!
Nick, thanks for including our examples in your toolkit! I’m sure it will help countless freelancers. Cheers!
I have been writing project proposals but not really sure if my writing was professional. I need detail examples to give some clue. thanks
Hi Anna, i have been writing proposals for several times but it was useless for me, after going through these samples i have clearly understood the format and i hope i will achieve my goals soon.
Great, Nomy. I hope these examples help!
Hi Saeed, I don’t have any specific examples for that kind of job.
Hi, what an insightful and wonderful article. Helped me very much with my dilemma. Appreciate the details you have talked about. Completely true!
You made some very nice stuff here. I am going to make an effort to follow your blog post as you’ve definately shown me a few important things man. Peace and blessing!!