1. finding an agent and selling my manuscript to a major publisher
2. selling my own manuscript (sans agent) to a small press
3. self-publishing
Each has advantages and disadvantages. We'll explore them here so you can make an educated choice about your own book.
Agented Manuscripts
My first agent signed me when I was a brand-new writer. Because I knew virtually nothing about publishing, my agent educated me. He had his "stable" of editors at the big houses and successfully pitched my books for me. He looked over the publishing contracts and corrected any problems, so I got better rights and more money in my advance. For the years my books were in print, my agent tracked everything, from submission to publication and eventually to serialization.