When do you need an agent

He knows what was true a couple of decades ago. He started the game when the rules were different, and he's now in an entirely different league than somebody starting out now.

In other words, yes, it's horribly out of date. Ignore it.

Ditto. You need an agent when you have a polished and ready to go manuscript you want to sell.

Card has never updated newer editions of his books on writing to reflect current thoughts on agents, either. It seems he's a non-agent type of guy. There are folks out there who manage to sell their first works directly to editors and do quite well. However, it's far more common today for authors to need an agent. Many editors won't look at manuscripts that aren't repped by agents; or if they do, it's not until they've run out of interesting ideas from agents.

There are many other good reasons to get an agent. Specifically, agents know all the ins and outs of negotiating for the highest possible advance and the best possible print run. And, agents can arrange auctions for your book.

Danthia said:

You need an agent when you have a polished and ready to go manuscript you want to sell.

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Agreed. The answer to your question is this simple.

My advice is get an agent first. I wish I'd tried to get one sooner. I wasted years and went through a lot of heartache trying to submit directly to publishers. I actually got some interest from editors, and that encouraged me to keep trying that route. But after two years with no word on a full (yes, I did follow up) I gave up and started my agent search. Getting an agent isn't easy, but it beats the alternative.

Also, there's nothing like having an industry pro who's passionate about your work in your corner.

Clifton Hill said:

Thanks for all the feedback. But just to clarify Card mentions that seeking an editor first is suited for the Sci-Fi/Fantasy market and not anything else. The implication being that other markets need an agent first. Does that change anyone's opinion?

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Nope. Agent first holds true no matter the genre. Just because two of the largest publishers of SF/F accept un-agented submissions, this doesn't change the fact that if those two houses reject you you're stuck without an agent to take you further.

Libbie said:

There are folks out there who manage to sell their first works directly to editors and do quite well. However, it's far more common today for authors to need an agent.

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My novel wasn't easily slotted into genre so I had a hard time selling it. I had an agent for about a year who shopped it in all the wrong places. We parted company and I went directly to publishers. I had no problem getting read, they just didn't know what to do with it. Eventually I found a small house that really loved it and I'm quite satisfied with the results. I made decent money, the novel was nominated for an award and is currently in high school reading programs.
That said, I'll make another stab at finding an agent for my current wip, if I ever finish the darned thing.

ishtar'sgate said:

My novel wasn't easily slotted into genre so I had a hard time selling it. I had an agent for about a year who shopped it in all the wrong places. We parted company and I went directly to publishers. I had no problem getting read, they just didn't know what to do with it. Eventually I found a small house that really loved it and I'm quite satisfied with the results. I made decent money, the novel was nominated for an award and is currently in high school reading programs.
That said, I'll make another stab at finding an agent for my current wip, if I ever finish the darned thing.

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I love hearing things like this. Really highlights that persistence and a good, well-written story are the key.

Do yourself a favor and forget about the exceptions. You'll be best off if you get a agent from the start.