Written for Canadian public servants and written with their help, this handbook presents principles and tips to make official writing clear, concise, and well organized. The handbook defines "plain language" writing as a technique of organizing information in ways that make sense to the reader--using familiar, straightforward words. The handbook is designed to help writers with each step--from organizing their ideas to deciding on how the finished document should look. Chapters in the handbook are: (1) Plain Language and the Public Servant; (2) Before You Start Writing; (3) Make Your Writing Effective; (4) Clear and Simple--Paragraphs and Sentences; (5) Think about Your Choice of Words; (6) Appearances Are Very Important; and (7) Check with the Experts--Your Readers. A check list that summarizes key concepts in the handbook and a 59-item list of books on plain language, newsletters, workshops, and other resources are attached. (RS)