I just don't understand why authors submit to an unknown -- not simply new, but completely unknown -- agent or publisher.
If you had a million bucks, and were trying to figure out which bank or financial institution to deposit it in, deciding which institution would get you the best return on investment, wouldn't you want some assurances that a) it is a legit company, and b) it's got a track record of keeping monies secure and paying a good rate of return, or at least c) insurance -- e.g., expertise -- that protects your investment? Would you be willing to give some stranger a chance at holding that million bucks and investing it for you, or would you go to an established bank? Even if the biggest, best bank wouldn't accept your money, wouldn't you at least start there, and work your way down, rather than starting with an unknown?
Why not protect your manuscript -- your precious, creative work product -- as carefully as you'd protect your money?
I just don't get it.
JD