This extensive review of research on the development of print materials covers text readability, structure of the prose, and organizational and format features of the text. Practical guidelines for developing textual materials that can be supported by empirical research are also presented. Conclusions are then drawn from the literature, and areas in which research is needed are identified. Two major conclusions are reached: (1) there are no specific text design guidelines or procedures that are applicable for all materials, genre, and learners; and (2) there is no viable substitute for well written, clearly presented, and well organized prose to maximize the facilitative aspects of written text. Three figures are provided. (130 references) (Author/EW)