Do I Need a Literary Agent to Get Published?

Short answer: It depends.
Longer answer: It depends on your goals, your publishing path, and how much of the business side you want to handle yourself.

Let’s break it down.

If You Want to Be Traditionally Published by a Major Publisher
Yes, you almost always need an agent.
Big publishers (think HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster) don’t accept unsolicited manuscripts. They rely on agents to act as gatekeepers—curating the best projects and handling submissions.

A literary agent will:
→ Pitch your book to the right editors
→ Negotiate your contract (so you don’t sign away your soul)
→ Advocate for your career over time

Without an agent, it’s nearly impossible to get into those houses. But it’s not the only way to publish.

If You’re Targeting Small or Independent Presses
You might not need one.
Many indie publishers accept direct submissions. Some even specialize in debut authors. Just make sure to read the fine print and fully understand your contract.

No agent = you’re negotiating and protecting your own rights. Which means you need to do your homework—or hire an intellectual property lawyer to review the offer. (We strongly recommend this!)

If You’re Self-Publishing
Nope. You don’t need an agent at all.
You’re the publisher.

However, some self-published authors do later sign with agents to:
→ Handle foreign rights or audiobook deals
→ Pitch film/TV adaptations
→ Sell new books to traditional publishers (hybrid path)

How Do I Know What Path Is Right for Me?
Ask yourself:
– Do I want full creative control, or am I okay with handing some over?
– Am I willing to wait 1–2 years to get published traditionally?
– Do I want to learn the business side of publishing, or would I rather focus on writing?
– What kind of success am I aiming for—and how do I define it?

There’s no one right answer. The best path is the one that aligns with your vision, values, and goals.

Bottom line?
You don’t always need an agent to get published. But if you’re aiming for the Big Five—or just want a savvy partner on your side—it can be an absolute game-changer.

Want help figuring out your next publishing move? That’s what we do.

👉 Explore ICONIC—our mentorship program for writers ready to get serious about their publishing path. Whether you're querying, self-publishing, or not sure where you land, we’ll help you move forward with clarity and strategy.