Guides: Government Research and Writing Tips: Government Writing

Researching and Writing about the Law

Plain Language: Improving Communications from the Federal Government to the Public
Resources for producing government documents written in plain, clear, easy-to-understand language.
The Characteristics of Good Government Writing
General principles of writing provided for those who work for government, either as communications professionals or content specialists.
U.S. Government Printing Office Style Manual
Designed to achieve uniform word and type treatment and economy of word use in the writing and printing of U.S. government publications.
Word Division: Supplement to United States Government Printing Office Style Manual
Quick reference for dividing words into syllables, as well as a spelling and pronunciation guide.

How to Write a Letter to Your Legislator
Tips on writing to a state legislator or U.S. congressperson. Adapted from an article published by the American Library Association.
Your Right to Write
Reprint of an article by Representative Morris K. Udall, giving tips on how to write a letter to your congressman.
Writing a Letter to the British Government
Tips on the most effective way to write a political letter to a British agency or official to express an opinion or urge a particular course of action.

Grant Proposal Writing - Web Sites
Links to numerous Web sites that provide advice on how to write proposals seeking grants or contracts from government agencies and private sources.
Proposal Writing for Government Contracting
Tips from Fedmarket on how to outline a proposal, how to put together a proposal writing library to draw information from, how to develop a template, how to write the proposal, and what to avoid.
What's in a Typical Federal Government RFP?
The format for a Request for Proposal (RFP) from a federal government agency is mandated by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). They are typically broken down into sections that are identified by letter. This article explains what is contained in each section.

A Responsible Press Office: An Insider’s Guide
Advice on how to run an effective public relations operation.
How to Write a Great Press Release: A Sample Press Release Template
Step by step instructions on how to use a press release, what information to include in it, and how to format it. Includes a template and numerous sample press releases.