"This is the way..." This is the 148th Fundraising Writing Newsletter. If you find value here, please tell a fundraising friend. (Your fundraising friend can ​subscribe here for free.)​

In this (extra short!) issue:

✅ You can use an "arrow" to lead your donors in...

✅ [VIDEO] I ask Tom Ahern and Jeff Brooks: Why do longer fundraising letters tend to work better?

✅ Randomly yours: to inspire and recharge you

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Wednesday, October 9, 2024
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Hi Reader,

If you've ever watched the "The Mandalorian" on Disney Plus (featuring Baby Yoda!), you probably remember hearing "This is the way" umpteen times. (It's iconic.)

It sounds cool in part because it's universal.

We all want to know "the way."

Your donors included.

So consider using

arrow-shaped

intros!

You can use an "arrow" to lead your donors in...

See how easy it is?

It pulls you in.

Like this:

Half the battle is pulling your donors in!

The first half's especially important.

Just don't overdo it.

Get it? Got it?

Good!

😃

[VIDEO] I ask Tom Ahern and Jeff Brooks: "Why do longer fundraising letters tend to work better?"

Enjoy this lively 3-minute answer from Tom Ahern and Jeff Brooks. You'll love Jeff's surprising story about his mother reading an appeal letter he wrote. It might just change how you think about donor behavior and letter writing! ✍️💛

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This video is from Tom's mega webinar on appeal writing, where Jeff joined for the All-You-Can-Eat Q&A session. (The super fun Q&A alone lasted 2-1/2 hours! Missed it? There's always next year.)

🎧 If you prefer, click here to read the transcript​ and listen to the audio clip.

Randomly yours: to inspire and recharge you

For your brain, heart, and funny bone...

• Fundraisingly Informative — 6 big fundraising mistakes small organizations make by Mary Cahalane (a very helpful fundraising blog post about what you — small nonprofit, if you are — might want to avoid and why)​
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• Hilariously Nerdy — Episode 1: The Pilot via The Office Ladies (the inaugural podcast episode from Jenna "Pam Beasley" Fischer and Angela "Angela Martin" Kinsey of The Office fame; Brett and I have been listening as we rewatch all 9 seasons — fun!)

Until next time: May the shape of your copy always flow, dontcha know?

Grateful,

P.S. When you're ready, we're happy to talk with you about your donor communications needs for 2025. We can lighten your load and help you raise more money with print and digital appeals, gratitude reports, newsletters, supporter surveys, gift catalogs, cases for support, and more. Choose from full-service "Done-For-You" solutions or collaborative "Done-With-You" options. Book a time on Julie's calendar today. The first call is always free!