Writing Tip: Do You Need A Literary Agent?

On what literary agents do and why it's worth having one.

We’ve been talking about what to do when you think you’re done with your manuscript. We’ve spoken a bit about editing, about finding a community to help with your manuscript, how to frame feedback. You might be thinking about whether you want a literary agent or not, as they may be able to help you get your book published.

Now, I don’t necessarily think one size fits all in the creative realms. One person’s story or needs or trajectory will never match anyone else’s. We all want different things from our careers. Especially our creative ones. Sometimes we write because we’re compelled to, sometimes it helps with processing, sometimes we want to tell the world, and sometimes we just want to get longlisted for the Booker Prize. All roads are valid. (Except the longlisting for the prize: don’t ever expect to be on any prize lists. So much of that is about luck. One day, I might delve into what happens behind the scenes with prizes as I’ve judged a few now.)