should I try to get an agent first, or try publishing some of my work?

Question

I've written several short stories and want to try to get them published. I've also written a good number of poems. Is the method of publishing different for stories and poems, or the same? Should I try to get an agent first (they know a lot more about the business than I do, plus they gotta have a lot of contacts), or try publishing some of my work on my own (like using Poet's Market or Writer's Market)?

Answer 1

Research the magazines you are interested in submitting to. You want to send your stuff to someone who may really publish your stuff so check to see if they take freelance submissions, or is all their stuff written "in house". Also will your stories fit into their magazine. Make sure you have checked for grammatical errors and spelling. Have a great cover letter. You may want to go to the library and check out the National Directory of Magazines and other books like that in the reference section.

With your poems you might want to start at Poetry.com and submit a piece or two. Good luck...

Answer 2

For ss and poems you don't need an agent - most wouldn't handle them because there is no money in them, especially if you are a new author. Identify lit. mags that specialise in your genre and submit directly to them.

Once you write a substantial piece of work like a novel, then look for an agent. You can then show her your list of ss and poems published, to prove to her it's not all cr*p and someone else likes it.

Answer 3

Try to find a good agent. Usually they can get you a better deal and many publishers won't take unsolicited submissions.

Answer 4

send the to a publisher if they like it then get an agent

Answer 5

Try both at the same time.