Publishing is no longer a one-size-fits-all industry. The traditional route—querying dozens of agents, waiting for months, hoping for a deal—has evolved. Yet for many authors, the question still lingers:
“Do I need a literary agent to get published?”
At PubliQuill, we believe that publishing success looks different for every writer. Whether you’re dreaming of landing a Big Five deal or building your indie author brand from the ground up, understanding the role of literary agents—and how they fit into your journey—is key.
Let’s break down what agents do, when (or if) you need one, and how to navigate the process with clarity and purpose.
What Does a Literary Agent Do?
In traditional publishing, literary agents serve as your advocates. Their job is to:
Pitch your manuscript to editors at major publishing houses
Negotiate contracts on your behalf
Guide you through the publishing process
Help shape your career long-term
Agents often specialize in specific genres and have established relationships with publishers—relationships that can open doors for writers seeking traditional publication.
But here’s the truth: agents are highly selective. They receive hundreds of queries a week and only take on a handful of new clients each year. That means authors need more than just a great manuscript—they need a standout pitch, platform, and professionalism.
Do All Authors Need Agents?
The short answer: no.
The long answer: it depends on your goals.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Goal | Do You Need an Agent? |
|---|---|
| Big Five Traditional Publisher | Yes, usually required |
| Mid-size/Independent Press | Sometimes—some accept unagented submissions |
| Self-Publishing | Not at all |
| Hybrid Publishing | No, but knowledge of rights and contracts helps |
If your dream is a traditional deal with a major publisher, then yes—finding a literary agent is likely essential. But if you’re more interested in retaining control, earning higher royalties, and publishing on your timeline, indie publishing might be the smarter fit.
How to Find the Right Agent
If you’ve decided that traditional is your path, the next step is research. Not all agents are created equal—and querying blindly is a recipe for rejection.
Start by:
Researching agents in your genre (via QueryTracker, MSWL, agency websites)
Reading submission guidelines carefully
Preparing a polished query letter and synopsis
Having a complete, professionally edited manuscript ready
Reputable sources like this guide to Finding literary agents can offer helpful tools, listings, and strategies to support your search and increase your chances of success.
Pro tip: personalization matters. Show that you’ve done your homework and that you’re querying them for a reason. Agents want to know why they are the right fit for you.
Alternatives to Traditional Publishing
More and more authors are choosing alternative routes that don’t require an agent at all.
These include:
Self-publishing – total control, faster timelines, higher royalty rates
Hybrid publishing – blends indie flexibility with professional services
Working with boutique presses – many accept direct submissions from authors
At PubliQuill, we specialize in helping authors explore these paths with intention. We guide you through publishing options, editing, branding, and book launches—whether you have an agent or not.
The result? A book that’s not just published, but positioned to succeed.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Goals, Then Build the Right Path
There’s no one right way to publish—only the path that’s right for you.
If your heart is set on traditional publishing, then pursuing a literary agent makes sense. But if you value speed, control, and direct-to-reader connection, then self or hybrid publishing may be the better option.
Whatever path you choose, do it from a place of knowledge and confidence.
At PubliQuill, we’re here to empower authors at every stage—whether you're querying agents, self-publishing your debut, or plotting a multi-book strategy.