Writing for Dollars, Writing to Please

Writing for Dollars, Writing to Please seeks to change public and legal writing—by making the ultimate case for plain language. The book gathers a large body of evidence for two related truths: using plain language can save businesses and government agencies a ton of money, and plain language serves and satisfies readers in every possible way. It also debunks the ten biggest myths about plain writing and looks back on 50 highlights in plain-language history. The first edition was described by reviewers as "powerful," "compelling," "inspiring," and "astounding." This second edition has been updated and expanded throughout.

Professor Joseph Kimble is a leading international expert on this subject. Here is the book that sums up his important work, with a message that is vital to every government writer, business writer, and attorney.

This book has become a classic in the field. It makes a powerful case for plain language using 60 (no less) real-world examples, disposes of false criticisms, collects dozens of historical highlights in plain language, and contains a wealth of resources for further study."
— Annetta Cheek, former chair, Center for Plain Language

When people demand proof that plain language works, we can now utter four short words: 'Read Joe Kimble's book.' Proof aside, it will also give them sound guidelines for creating clear documents, plus a fresh and inspiring history of our field."
— Martin Cutts, author of The Oxford Guide to Plain English

In prose so incisive that it is itself an argument for what he advocates, Kimble dispels the myths about plain language and answers the critics. . . . Kimble's case reaches a crescendo spoken in our profession's lingua franca: dollars. Plain writing not only increases efficiency and thereby saves time and money, it empowers the practitioner to attract, satisfy, and retain clients, and so be more successful. This is a book worth reading, worth study. It is a reference, it is a resource, and it is a relief..."
— Michigan Bar Journal

If any of you are trying to convince management that it's worth it to spend time creating more efficient and effective documents, you need to get a copy of this book."
— Pros Write blog

The numbers [in the case studies] are astounding . . . . Highly recommended."
— Chicago Bar Association Record

If you have relied on this book . . . since Joe published the first edition more than a decade ago, you know how valuable it is. You now need the new edition because of these additions [more historical highlights; broader global perspective; additional empirical studies, now totaling 60; new index of works and authors cited; updated references]. . . . This is Joe Kimble's great service to all of us."
— The Clarity Journal

Anyone who had the first edition should rush to acquire the second edition. Anyone who didn't have the first edition and is at all interested in plain language in business, government, and law needs to get the second edition. How lucky they are to be able to read this book for the first time! . . .

Kimble is a master of plain language. . . . He practices what he preaches better than anyone I know. No one writes plainer than Kimble. Further, this is not only a learned and persuasive book, but also a lively and enthusiastic one. It's a joy to read no matter how many times you return to it. . . .

This book answers all the questions anyone could have about the efficacy and benefits of plain language."

— Michigan Bar Journal