Fundraising writing is a nuanced being with its own unique set of rules. After all, this kind writing involves profoundly moving people in an emotional way so that as a result, they’re motivated to give money to your organization. That’s no easy feat. Jeff Brooks understands that to write well, one must abandon everything (or almost everything) that they were taught about formal writing. While this is often easier said than done, I do have some tricks up my sleeve, and now, I’ve added Jeff’s amazing new Emerson & Church book, How to Turn Your Words Into Money: The Master Fundraiser’s Guide to Persuasive Writing, to my arsenal of tools.
If your goal is to write some epic fundraising content, look no further.
Jeff does an expert job of teaching you how to break down any mental barriers you have so that you can seamlessly transition from formal writing to writing that packs a colossal emotional punch. Not only does he explain a bunch of key elements of colloquial writing in terms of word and grammar usage, he also goes beyond that to address issues concerning length, style, use of cliches, readability, and more. He never forgets the importance of putting the reader at the heart of it all, disregarding I in favor of YOU.
And of course he doesn’t forget the significance of great storytelling and the crucial role it plays in fundraising writing. He’s dedicated multiple book chapters to the topic. You’ll come to understand precisely how to structure effective stories that are emotionally jarring and where to include them in your writing. You’ll also gain some insight on the psychology behind great storytelling, too, along with much, much more. Additionally, Jeff debunks plenty of myths regarding what constitutes great fundraising content (and what doesn’t).
By the time you finish reading this book and taking it all in, you’ll be inspired to craft compelling material with confidence. And I can guarantee that there’s no way you won’t be better at it than you were before, whether you started out as a beginner or a more seasoned player. Jeff communicates in a clear way that’s very readable and easy to comprehend, as well as friendly. Plus, he brings personal experience and stories to the table, along with humor and candor. If you’re genuinely interested in learning how to write better fundraising content, How to Turn Your Words Into Money: The Master Fundraiser’s Guide to Persuasive Writing is one book you can’t afford to miss.
For more from Jeff Brooks, be sure to listen in to my interview. If you’ve ever had the experience of writing the perfect appeal or thank you letter – only to have your board president or ED wield their mighty red pen – you’ll want to listen in as we discuss those “control issues” in your nonprofit’s fundraising department and what you can do about it. As Jeff notes: The better your work is, the more likely it is to stir fear in the hearts of your boss. Click here.
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I can’t wait to meet with you personally.
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