The Wondrousness of an Agent.

This is not a post about traditional pub vs. self-pubbing. Not directly. If you have a choice, if you're not at your complete wit's end, I'd keep going the agency route, or direct to editor (via small press or however). Over a period of a couple years, I struggled through a couple of manuscripts, several several queries, and a couple of heart-shredding close calls, never quite knowing what I was doing wrong (I do now, but that's a post for another day). Now that I have an agent, I realize how it was all worth it.

Sure, there's the obvious... direct injection into the publishing world, a wellspring of knowledge, etc. But that's not what I'm talking about.Many writers suffer a crisis of confidence at one or multiple points throughout their careers. A quality industry professional (agent or editor) telling you, in so many words, 'you're good' (but with far more enthusiasm) rebuilds those walls of self-esteem that get termited away. And they don't just help rebuild, they push you toward new heights.

It is a wondrous thing. So, if all seems dark, keep that in mind if you can as you climb the mountain. A certain sort of awesome awaits at the top that strips away much of the fatigue... until you look up and see the next, taller mountain ahead. But you've got Agent Sherpa at your side to guide you, which makes the continuing journey far more enjoyable.