Looking for a Literary Agent?

As a literary agent specializing in Latter-Day Saint authors. Serving as an agent working with Talcott Notch Literary Service, LLC. A rapidly-growing mid-size literary and screen rights agency representing the freshest new voices in both fiction and nonfiction.

Dennis is the first to specialize as an LDS literary agent, willing to work with all. I am looking for unique ideas from writers. As the market has changed, so has many of the demands on the author. Your project has to be more than an extended magazine article. It has to have something unique that will make the publisher jump at the chance to invest in you and your work. It can be your platform. It can be the power of your idea. It can be that your writing is noteworthy and compelling.

And if you can bring all three. I’m confident we can find you a publishing house. What will set you apart? What makes you established as a thought leader in your genre?

I have developed connections with acquisition editors at Deseret, Covenant, Cedar Fort, Shadow Mountain, Hallmark, Seagull Books, and many other publishing houses.

If you are looking to be published, you can send me a query letter at; dschleicher@talcottnotch.net

Dennis Schleicher
LDS Literary Agent
Best-selling author of “Is He Nuts?”
www.dennisschleicher.net

Marketing Conference with Cedar Fort Publishing and Media

You are invited to a special marketing conference. This conference is open to anyone but it is free for Cedar Fort authors and includes lunch. Use code CFI-AUTHOR to GET YOUR TICKET and reserve your spot.
All writers published/non-published are welcome to attend.
Lunch is included in the price.
Whether you are a traditionally published, self-published, or dream of being a published author, marketing yourself and your books is always a challenge. Come learn proven strategies from our authors and speakers about ways to build your follower base and how to build your brand and author platform.
Speakers will include:
Jeff Olsen: Author of Knowing and Beyond Mile Marker 80. Jeff has been a creative director and marketer for many years as well as an accomplished author. Jeff will speak about personal brand development, creating a messaging platform, creativity and how to manifest it, and more.
Richard Ostler: Host of the Listen, Learn, Love podcast. Richard has a book coming out next year detailing how his podcast has helped people and regularly has five thousand downloads per episode. He will be speaking on how to start a podcast and how to be a great podcast guest.
Dennis Schleicher: Author of Is He Nuts? Dennis is a network marketing leader and trainer. He will be speaking on the dos and don’ts of social media, stepping out of your comfort zone, and cross-promoting.
Kori Andrews: Founded Hi 5 Live, a daily Facebook inspirational video with different people every day that reaches thousands. He will be speaking on the power of an authentic story, tools to share goodness, connection versus promotion, and more.
Bryce Mortimer: Owner of Cedar Fort Publishing and Media. Bryce, along with his marketing team, will talk about what’s happening at Cedar Fort, the positive changes of publishing in a new market, and baby steps you can take to build your fan base.
Valerie Loveless: Author of Enduring Promises of the Heart and host of the Cedar Fort Podcast. Valerie will be your host for this event, she will teach how to grow a mailing list, and how to do newsletter swaps.

How to Sell More Books in 2020, with Dennis Schleicher

Mormon and Gay Convert – Is He Nuts?

On Cedar Fort Publishing & Media’s Website

Why would a gay man become Mormon? 

On October 11th, 1989, Dennis was watching the Oprah Winfrey Show with his mother. The show that day was about members of the LGBT community

and coming out. Dennis writes about this moment in his book, Is He Nuts? Why a Gay Man Would Become a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ.

Sister Missionaries Who Prayed for a Walk-in Sister Esplin and Tumlinson 

My mom wrinkled her nose. “They are all going to hell. This is so disgusting.”

I looked over at her and stopped myself from rolling my eyes. “Really? You think that’s disgusting?”

“Yes, I do. They’re going to hell. It’s in the Bible.” She stopped and stared hard at me. “You’re gay, aren’t you.”

It was a statement, not a question. I hesitated, but I had nothing else to say.

“Yes.” “I knew it!” she burst out. “I always knew it! Your father is going to be livid when he gets home!” I wasn’t there when he got home.

My mother wasn’t the only person to figure it out.

Two weeks later, Dennis was attacked by 5 boys at his school.

Through those experiences and so many others, Dennis was determined. “In so many ways, I decided to be a survivor, not a victim, and to use the journey of my life as a source of inspiration to help others in similar situations.”

In 2014, Dennis, who had grown up a member of the Congregational church, was church hopping. It also happened to be the year that he met members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as Mormons) for the first time. In his own words, Dennis says:

I had never met a member of the Church except for the poor missionaries who had my door repeatedly slammed in their faces. So I was shocked that my sexual identity didn’t seem to bother these Mormons I worked with.

From that point on, Dennis learned more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He visited the Sacred Grove with friends, attended sacrament meeting, met with the missionaries, and studied the Book of Mormon.

I had been studying the Book of Mormon for only thirty days. I didn’t understand everything, nor did I need to. It’s not a book you read one time—you read and ponder it every day, and through constant scripture study you will gain further knowledge and insight.

On August 19, 2017, Dennis was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints. On that day, he was officially Mormon and gay.

Roadblocks, challenges, trials, tribulations—whatever you want to call them, we’re all going to have them. It’s a fact of life. It’s what we do when we’re faced with them that matters. We can give up and be defeated. Or we can use them to grow and become stronger. I believe and know in my heart that God is there for every one of us.

Dennis now serves as a ward mission leader, assisting sisters and elders throughout New England to better understand how to work with the LGBTQ community, creating a better understating amongst all people.

To contact Dennis or schedule him for a speaking engagement, visit his website (dennisschleicher.net/contact). Purchase his book, Is He Nuts?: Why a Gay Man Would Become a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ, at Deseret Books.

Reviews for Is He Nuts?

“As an active Latter-day Saint mother of an openly gay son, I was moved by Dennis’s story and the pure love of Christ. A must-read for all who are seeking to walk in the shoes of another.” ~ Becky Mackintsoh

“I devoured this book the day after it arrived. I am now passing it on to my teenage children to read.”

“His experiences and testimony are truly a light in this world and I believe his story will help many both in the LDS church and out of it.”

“This book is revolutionary, groundbreaking, transformative and much needed for anyone looking for a great story.”

By Nancy Ayry – Dennis teaches me how to love, forgive. He teaches me that sometimes you’ll do things you NEVER thought you’d do! Shows me what true ministering is.

Nancy Ayre September Shoutout for Dennis Schleicher

September Shoutout by Nancy Ayry – Every day in the month of September I would like to give a shoutout to one person that I see is making a positive difference in the world. 🌎 ❤️
Dennis Schleicher – he is everyone’s best friend. You can’t help but love him the minute you connect with him. He’s full of enthusiasm and love, kindness and sincerity. Dennis is a writer, lifestyle reporter, crisis counselor, network marketer, and motivational speaker.
When Dennis was a teenager in the 1980’s, he was brutally attacked by several boys in the men’s room at school because they figured he was gay. They took turns punching his face, jaw, and stomach and calling him a “f****** f***** that should not be allowed to live.” The school administration oddly took the side of the attackers. Shortly after the attack, the media began to contact Dennis and he appeared on seven talk shows, including Larry King Live, and Sally Jessy Raphael. in 1990, Dennis testified in court to help pass a hate crimes bill that included minorities and LGBT individuals.
“Dennis’ life has not been easy. The growing realization that he was gay coupled with his parents’ use of religion to justify abuse and neglect led Dennis to have a very complicated relationship with love, God, and organized religion. After suffering from the violent attack, forced institutionalization, and heartbreak after heartbreak, Dennis was desperate for love and acceptance – he just didn’t know where to find it.”
“After years of searching, Dennis unexpectedly discovered a new family in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In his book, “Is He Nuts? Why a Gay Man Would Become a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ” he shares the story of how he, a gay man, found his home in the church.”
Dennis now serves as a ward mission leader, assisting sisters and elders throughout New England to better understand how to work and deal with the LGBTQ community, creating a better understanding amongst all people.
In his book Dennis explains, “I am many things. I am a people person, a talker, a networker. I am a gay man, a survivor of a hate crime, an advocate for the LGBT community. I am a friend, a hugger, a Christian who has always believe in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I am a son, a brother, a cousin. All of this and more collectively defines who and what I am.” ( ”Is He Nuts?” Cedar Fort Publishing, Schleicher)
Dennis teaches me how to love and how to forgive. He teaches me that there are new starts. He teaches me that sometimes you’ll do things you NEVER thought you’d do! And he shows me what true ministering is. In his own words, “Turn up the Love!”

Is He Nuts? Amazon’s Hot New Releases in Biographies

Is He Nuts? Ranking #2 in Mormonism 

#5 LGBT Biographie 

#9 Gay and Lesbian Biographies Memoirs

#11 in Christian Inspiration on;

Amazon Hot New Releases

Best-selling new and Featured.

I never in my 40+ years expected joining the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, serving as a Ward Mission Leader, being a full temple recommend holder and writing a best-seller. 😮 

 

Believing My Heart and Not My Head

Believing My Heart and Not My Head

I met Dennis when he spoke at a meeting of writers. He shared how different writing genres receiving different compensation with Christian writers receiving low compensation. “For example”, Dennis said, “if you were looking for a book about the Mormon faith that author would be compensated less than a murder mystery novelist.”As a Latter-day Saint myself, I found his reference a bit odd and was prepared to defend any negative comments but they never came. Dennis was so upbeat and interesting that I spoke with him several times before and after his talk and even purchased two of his personal research books about leveraging social media for promotion. He exuded positive energy that felt familiar and comfortable. It seemed pretty clear to me that he was gay and I’m happily married to a wonderful man so my interest was strictly business.

After his talk, I asked Dennis what his first book was about and what he was currently writing.   He was pretty vague about everything and moved onto another topic.  That seemed odd at the time since all the writers I know love to speak about their books.  Before parting, I linked to him on Facebook and he shared a few social media tips with me.  Dennis extended a vague offer of help and I yearned for success shortcuts in an ocean of information.

At home, I researched Dennis and found the topic of his first book from over a decade ago to be terribly unsavory.  This shook me to my core as the information in front of me directly contradicted my initial, positive impression. How could I be so wrong? My positive feelings about him were swallowed up in darkness and I planned to stay far away.

Less than a week later I saw a Facebook post with Dennis and missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  And then there were a few more including one where a good friend of his was going on a mission.  I thought his family might be LDS.  Then I recognized one of the missionaries and made an online comment about how Elder So-and-So served in Westerly, RI.  And I commented on other posts until it felt as though I was seeing the real Dennis.   Then I received a private message from Dennis saying, “I finally figured out you’re LDS!”  “You too!, I typed.   It was a day or two later that Dennis and I shared a long phone call and our testimonies of mature-age conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  “Every convert has a past,” Dennis shared.  I remember all too well how grateful I was to my Savior after baptism decades ago and how my heart changed forever. At the core of Christianity is the belief that people can change for the better. Dennis and I are both living proof of God’s love in this abiding principle. He and I became friends with a shared desire to help others find and accept the redeeming love of Jesus Christ.   I began to support him in online forums and, because I’m both a writer and LDS, am now part of the “Is He Nuts” Dennis Schleicher community. 

What would both of us have missed had I listened to my head and the hard, cold facts instead of the Holy Ghost whispering “he is a good man and a kindred spirit.”?  I’m so grateful to have recognized and acted upon the whisperings of the Spirit as dark proof blocked my path.  The darkness was the old Dennis but I met and trust the new Dennis who has been transformed by the love of our Savior. By trusting in the goodness I feel, I have a new friend.  That hinge decision could have slammed a door shut but, instead, opened a door to new opportunities.  I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers each of us with open arms and an open heart.  He loves and forgives and implores each of us to do the same. Each of us has a past but it doesn’t have to control our future.

Elizabeth J Saede

First Encounter Latter-day Saints Missionaries

This is probably the first encounter I had with Latter-day Saints except for the poor missionaries who had my door repeatedly slammed in their faces. Yep! That was the old Dennis.

Life just keeps getting more exciting by the minute. Just found out the Missionaries I randomly met at the airport on June 21, 2017 (almost 2 months before my baptism) Will be attending the celebration launch, 🚀 at this time did I ever think I would be baptized? NOT, and look at where we’ve gone. Yippee, Can’t wait to see Sister Franks & Morris.

I believe the Oscar goes to all church missionaries 

Dennis’ first encounter with missionaries at the Salt Lake City airport June 21, 2017

Miracles do Happen 

Now look; I’m a Ward Mission Leader, YES miracles can and do happen.

Register Free on Eventbrite

Register for the Event on Facebook

Remember, You Are Loved.

Love and Hugs, Dennis

Need to talk NOW 24/7 Call our missionaries @ 1-888-537-6600

News Alert! FB live for all our missionaries still serving for book launch celebration of Is He Nuts?

News Alert! Just added a Facebook live for all our missionaries still serving for book launch celebration of Is He Nuts? Why Would a Gay Man Become a Latter-day Saint?

Our missionaries Love YOU

 

More information forthcoming, location and etc. Come and celebrate the book launch of Dennis Schleicher transformative memoir. (Space is limited, reserve your FREE ticket today.)
This is the story of my search for God’s love in my life, and how I found it with and through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Despite a reputation that says otherwise, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do in fact love and accept all people just as Christ would, regardless of their sexual orientation.
As a lot of the missionaries I work with on the East Coast will still be serving their mission we have added a Facebook live event just for you!
Don’t ever forget that you are all LOVED by our Heavenly Father and so many others.
Hugs, Dennis

Life Has Been Nuts – Keep Calm Go To The Temple

Life has been NUTS in a significant way.  When I first wrote my book, I had no clue how enormous an undertaking this would become. A few days after submitting the manuscript to my publisher, “I thought I would have a little vacation for a while,” NOT! I Received an email from my astonishing acquisitions editor; Congratulations! I will need the following things from you as soon as possible. Title Ideas – list of your suggestions. Cover Design Profile – your insight and opinion to our designers by completing this; (mortgage application,) LOL 🤣
Next Priority: (1-2 weeks) 

Author Bios – submit one professional bio and one book jacket bio by completing this; “refinancing application attached.” WOW😮. 

*Marketing Plan – Email our marketing team, should encompass public, media, TV, print, magazines,📰 along with comparison titles, movies, and television shows.🎥🎙 Then *MORE documentation will be forthcoming upon completion. “Yikes!!!”😟 Final Priority: (in the next 3-4 weeks)
Cover Blurb Sample – provide ideas and feedback that will help our marketing writer create the final blurb. (Now instead of a mortgage, I felt as if I was purchasing a 60 story building in New York City.)
Endorsements – identifying influencers in your genre for endorsements that lend social proof, influence, and recommendation to your reader community.
Author Photo – email a color photo in JPG format with quality resolution. (See available help in our Authors Manual) “Now this was the size of a dictionary…” 📕
OMgoodness – I think all of this was harder than actually writing the book LOL.✒️ All worth it 
as this is a huge deal and I’m honored my manuscript was acquired with a remarkable Publishing and Media house. 🤩 I couldn’t complete this without my talented literary agent Gina Panettieri, her staff, my phenomenal Book editor Trina Caudle along with

ALL of my friends and family.🥰 Thank you for your patience and understanding as for why my life is NUTS #IsHeNuts???

Just Pray, and #TrunUpTheLove

~ Dennis Schleicher