Does it make a difference whether I get a literary agent or can i just publish w/ no agent?

Question

I have a 400 page novel that I am almost done editing. When I am done editing, I would like to know whether it would make a difference if I got myself a literary agent and continued on to publish from there or whether it would be just as easy/good to publish w/o a literary agent.

Answer 1

I am so impressed and I admire you so much for your accomplishments! Good for you!

It's my impression that it's very very tough to get through to a publisher, especially the larger publishing houses, without an agent. I'd recommend carefully determining which agents would suit your needs and begin querying them once your manuscript is polished.

Congrats on finishing and editing ! Best of luck.

Answer 2

Different publishers have different requirements. Some publishers will only accept manuscripts from literary agents. Research whether a publisher will consider unsolicited manuscripts, and in what format (and how many chapters) you should send it, whether they'll return it if you include a SASE, etc. If you're going to pay for the publishing yourself, then you probably don't need the agent.

Answer 3

I would seriously recommend beginning your search with agents. Agents are your friends. They sell your book, they negotiate your contracts, they help you keep as many rights as possible... so you can sell those for more money. Don't pay for publishing. Don't pay an agent up-front.

Query as many as possible! And read Miss Snark's blog because it's one of the funniest sites I've ever read about agents, and full of helpful information:
http://misssnark.blogspot.com/

Here are a couple sites to start your research.
http://www.agentquery.com/
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/

Answer 4

the quick answer may well be no that's not too early to submit your manuscript. once you deliver out a query letter nowhere do you will possibly desire to comprise your age (till you % to). S.E Hinton grew to become into 17 while she started writing her award prevailing novel "The Outsiders" and he or she grew to become into printed as a freshman in college. to no longer point out that the Outsiders remains after over thirty years the 2nd-bestselling youthful grownup novel in publishing history. with regard to brokers, till you comprehend with regard to the publishing international i might propose getting one. They make contracts, manage editors and publishing homes, and set up signings and lots extra. yet please do no longer sign with an agent in the event that they ask for an in strengthen value. brokers make money once you're making money!!! while sending a query letter to an agent make certain you analyze that agent, locate out what variety they many times manage. as an occasion in case you have written a eye-catching fantasy novel and your agent in basic terms bargains with historic fiction, you have have been given a concern. Oh and while sending in a manuscript there are rules you will possibly desire to stay with. you have got a eye-catching cover yet each agent and writer has particular rules while sending something in. maximum might desire to be typed, be conscious information in undeniable black font, with internet site numbers and your final call on each internet site. So while sending a query or manuscript do your analyze because of fact manuscripts that don't follow the guidelines get tossed. Write and examine as much as you may and analyze the publishing international, maximum printed authors have dedicated a factor of there web pages to aspiring authors. you will possibly desire to do analyze on what it ability to be a author, because of fact writing is a profession and its no longer hassle-free artwork. I filled up 2 notebooks with tips about the publishing international in the previous I even despatched in my manuscript. once you do the analyze and artwork no longer hassle-free, it shows the agent or writer which you're dedicated and professional no count how previous you're. I wish you all of the ideal!