How a literary agency works

[Jo Zebedee]

But don't sub to publishers and then go to agents. If you want a crack at agents, go that route first

 

[Tirellan]

The difference comes when you want to submit to publishers that have bookstore distribution. Most don't take unsolicited subs which is where you need an agent (or great networking skills). Some have the occasional open submission period and I know people who have got deals this way.