Creative Deviations

Have you ever dreamed of a book to guide you through creative donor communications?

One that gives you an inside look at how it’s done – and why?

One full of examples – not just theory, but practice?

You’ll want John Lepp’s Creative Deviations. And you’ll keep it close at hand, I’m sure.

I’ve been writing fundraising copy for a long time. Agents of Good has always been an example I work to live up to. In this book, John takes you inside… thought processes, creative processes, all that he’s learned over the years.

From design to language to tactics… this book gives you all of it. Most of all, it urges you to approach the work with all your creativity – and that’s the part that makes this work a joy.

I’ve read John’s book… and I’m still going to buy it. Because I want it above my desk, where I can reach for it whenever I need inspiration. You should, too.

- Mary Cahalane, Hands-On Fundraising

If you want to raise your fundraising communications to the next level, Creative Deviations should be your next read. Real-life examples of fundraising pieces. Down-to-earth advice on how to step into new territory. And bursting with ways to delight your donors. It’s all there!

Creative Deviations is the fundraising communications guidebook that has long been needed! Fresh. Insightful. Human.

Creative Deviations is the delightful book of case studies that has been missing from the fundraising world.
- Sarah Lundberg, CFRE

‘The beginning of success is to be different, the beginning of failure is to be the same’. Yet so much charity communication is copycat. So, creative deviation – the subject and the book – will quickly repay study by all fundraisers, experienced or new. 20+ campaigns from the 25-year experience of one of our sector’s leading creatives – whether you read it all from the top or dip in to find something specific, where else could you find such a productive tutorial? - Ken Burnett, author, Relationship Fundraising and other books

Every year I review hundreds of pieces of nonprofit direct mail for our Basics & More students. And so much of it is right on the cusp of greatness. Where does it often fall flat? Design. In fact, I’ve even seen professionally designed direct mail packs that fall flat. That’s because, unless it’s their area of expertise, most graphic designers don’t understand what works in direct mail design.

You see, as great as your copy is, as well as it speaks to the donor, if your design doesn’t engage your donor’s heart as well, you’re missing half the equation.

Enter Creative Deviations: a how-to guide for helping you, the fundraiser responsible for storytelling and donor communications, become more creative — and more effective.

You’ll discover:

•,What really works when it comes to envelopes — and why should you care?
•,What’s the coffee ring trick?
•,Why do you want to forget about the logo?
•,How do you create donor engagement pieces — and what can you learn from them?
•,What is your organization’s URG?
•,How and why should you strive to delight and inspire your donors?

An enchanting read loaded with examples, I predict you’ll be returning over and over again to Deviations. A must for every direct response fundraiser's bookshelf.
- Pamela Grow