So you’ve written something spectacular and dreams of being a published author are already circulating in your head. The next step of course is to prepare a query letter and start sending a sample of your manuscript out to publishers. However, when reviewing publisher’s guidelines, you’ve come across a common statement.
“This publisher does not accept unsolicited manuscripts.”
What does this mean? Basically, it means don’t bother sending your manuscript yourself, it likely won’t be touched. Instead, the publishing company that makes this demand prefers to receive manuscripts by means of a literary agent.
So the question you must ask yourself is: Do I need a literary agent to get published? The answer is yes and no.
Depending on your manuscript and its intended market, your past writing credits, and other factors, it is possible that you may not need a literary agent at all. Many publishers do accept unsolicited manuscripts (manuscripts sent directly to the publisher by you), but in some cases, having representation by a literary agent can give writers an extra advantage.
If this is your first time delving into the world of publishers, then chances are you will start with smaller publishing companies, which typically do not require writers to have a literary agent. But if you’ve any hopes of having your writing published by a major publishing company, then unless you have networking connections within that company, then only a literary agent will be able to ensure that your manuscript gets at least a cursory glance.
Networking with other writers either through writing forums, writing conferences, or conventions and other events where there might be a congregation of writers, publishers, and agents is a great way to gain recognition and maybe have your manuscript passed along to the right people. Having previous writing credits might also get you further noticed without needing an agent.
Otherwise, you will have to sell your manuscript to a literary agent in much the same way you would to a publishing company. One cannot simply hire a reputable literary agent and ask them to sell the manuscript to a top-name publisher. You must market your manuscript to various agencies and agents that represent the type of manuscript you have written, and you must be prepared to be rejected.
Reputable agents will only represent a manuscript that they think they can sell to a publishing company. Agents then make their money from the sale or as a commission on sales. Reputable agents will never charge you a fee up front, except for minor things like preparing copies of your manuscript and postage.
Typically, writers will not be charged a fee before the manuscript has been sold to a publisher. If you find that an agent wants to charge you a fee beforehand, you would best be advised to avoid that agent or agency.
When seeking both publishers and agents, your best option is to peruse various websites focused on writers resources, as well as picking up the latest edition of The Writers Market, a great resource for writers containing numerous tips on writing, and detailed, comprehensive, up-to-date listings of literary agents and agencies, and publishers.
For more detailed information on what to watch for when looking for an agent, you can go to the Predators and Editors website listed in the resources section below, and select the Agents and Attorneys section.
Also be aware that literary agents often only represent a certain type of manuscript, just as some publishers will often only publish certain types of books. Be sure to read guidelines carefully and include all pertinent and required information when submitting your manuscript to agencies or publishers.
