I am closer to being ready to send out my manuscript and with it a query letter. (Or in some cases, only a query letter) For some time I have been debating as to whether I should try for an agent and have them usher me along the path to publication, or try my luck straight through to the publisher. To help me make that decision, I’ve consulted friends and colleagues. Perhaps, however, my writer’s handbook would be handy. In the 1994 edition on page 566 it is asked Why do you need an agent? Edward Novak (an agent) answers: “One of the duties…in publishing was to read unsolicited mansuscripts sent…directly from writers….Not one unagented manuscript I read caught the fancy of an editor.” He further states that editors duties are so vast that they might squeeze in a read on a rare free hour over the weekend. Novak explains that an editor would rather read something by an agent, one familiar with that house, than to be passed something by an inexperience author.

But my work is brilliant, you think. It’s the next ‘The Notebook.’ (which was a rarity, first novel out for Sparks and for which he was signed a mutlimillion dollar contract. Yay for him.) “Editors …have come to rely on agents to discover the next [writer] and bring them to publishers.”

Ok. Great. So, if I were to follow this advice, I’d only submit to Agents. It is sound reasoning. There are several other reasons to go this route. They know the market, and to whom said MS is appropriate. They also act as a middle-man to help negotiate contracts and the like. It’s kind of like insurance. I don’t know exactly what I need, but Allstate can get me there.

But could I do it on my own? Sure. The process is similar but here are Novak’s suggestions for submission (to agent, but it would follow for publisher as well.)

#1. Do a little research. Look for reputable agents or publishers. (he recommends Literary Market Place) I recommend Preditors and Editors. But you can find the requirements for these agents/houses for submission and get a feel as to what it is they want.

#2. Write a query. This is just a little “hey I want to write for you, here’s who I am and what I do.” When doing this, if by mail, send a SASE.

#3. I think this is most important: Keep it up. You won’t get anywhere if you don’t keep trying. Even if you get rejected, again, and again, the next one might just say yes. Also, sometimes they’ll tell you why not, and that gives you fodder for growth. Steven King was rejected at one time, as were many published authors.

#4 Go to conferences. I think this is an excellent suggestion. There are a plethora of workshops to be had. Afterall, one must hone his craft. But not only that. It is an awesome opportunity to network with fellow authors, agents and publishers. The PERFECT time to pitch.

These are excellent points, Mr. Novak. An agent may be down the road for me in the future. And I agree, I’ll need one. But I have decided to submit to a smaller house publisher and have that be as a stepping stone.

My goal is to query them next month! (wish me luck, y’all.)