Agent or Publisher: who do I contact first?

Hello YWS!

I have recently begun seriously looking at having my fantasy novel, Gypsie Eyes, published. My first step, of course, was to get my hands on material that would help me do that and ask other writers the best way to go about it. The two books that have been most helpful to me are Orson Scott Card's How To Write Science Fiction and Fantasy and, of course, the 2008 edition of Novel and Short Story Writer's Market.

While both of these sources have been incredibly helpful, there is one thing that I cannot get a clear idea on: do I get an agent and then approach a publishing house, or do I get a contract with a publishing house and then approach an agent? Card seems to think you get the contract first, and the Writer's Market presents pros and cons of both strategies.

Keeping in mind that this is my first novel, and I have no previous publishing history (aside from this site), what would you advise?

Three words: Publishing for Dummies.

When I finish my novel, I'm buying it right away. xD

Keep in mind I haven't published either, but I've read a lot on the topic. ^_^


Go for the agent. Just like an actor's agent, they will hunt out the best deals for you, find the publishing companies for you, bargain for you. Be nice to your agent, love your agent, and be friends with your agent. It's their goal to get your work published, because if it does, they get a percentage (which in my opinion is completely worth it). You might want to get a professional editor before sending it off, as well. I'm not sure if you can or if your agent would do that, but, er yeah.

Just be careful looking for an agent. I've heard horror stories about finding an agent and then they run off with your money/story. Usually the former. If an agent asks for money up front, throw their number out and ignore their calls. No agent will ask you for money up front. I believe there is a last of registered American agents online someone, as well as a list of agent scams.. I'm not sure.

I can go through my magazine's and things and see if I find any more info ^_^ I hope you get it pubished! We can have a party at a local book store.

Most publisher's won't consider your work without an Agent behind it.

Go through an agent.

I suggest to you an agent. No, I have never been published and haven't ever attempted to get an agent, but that's because I'm not exactly done with my novel yet. I'm in the middle of it right now. I should be done, but I'm a major procrastinator... There! I said it! Happy now?! Lol. Anyway, an agent will get you the best publisher. So, trust me. Go through an agent.

Wow! This has been really helpful guys, and I think I'm getting a pretty solid consensus. Thanks for all your help; keep it coming!

i haven't quite finished my novel yet either, but everything I've read suggests you go through an agent first.


www.writers.net.com

http://www.sfwa.org/beware/agents.html

This one is like "Publishing for Dummies" ^

Definitely, DEFINITELY an agent. A year ago I was looking to get my book published (although I wasn't successful, and have since realized that my novel sucked and needed some serious renovations) and not only will publishers not really consider work submitted directly to them, but they will also allow agents to submit, say, the entire manuscript to them, whereas you, by yourself would only be able to submit the first 50 pages. I've done this before (and am about to do it again) so if you have any more questions, feel free to PM me.

Agent, most definitely, Amy. It'll save you so much hassle and trouble, and whenever you get it published, trust me, you'll love your agent to bits! So yeah, go with the agent.

Make sure it's a reputable agent, and not a scam or anything.

Yeah, scam-avoidance was one of the big reasons I went with a source as reputable as Writer's Market and didn't go searching on the internet. I'm getting a deffinate agent-first vibe, and while all you guys have said makes sense, Card reccomdends getting a contract with a publisher before you approach an agent, so you look like a much better risk, and even Writer's Market hinted that, for you first novel, an agent is not absolutely necessary. I'm not saying I'm going to act on that, but what do you guys think?

gyr--


Preditors & Editors is also a good reference.


Cheers!
Brad

Card's book is almost two decades old. I don't have my copy with me, but I believe he even states in the opening that some of the advice he gives may date. Personally, I'd go with the 2008 edition of Writer's Market if I were you.

Yes, definitely an agent. Preferably one that's part of the national writing group, I forgot their name, but that particular group has agents governed by a rule, that they cannot charge reading fees and the like. I'll try to look it up, but yes. Generally an agent shouldn't have to ask you for upfront fees, since they garner their money off of your royalties and somuch% commission, or so. It's all in the Market book.