Are Book Agents Worth the Money?

So they take some of the workload off the writer's shoulders. They can make it easier for publishing houses to filter through the good and the bad. But in today's booming publishing industry, is it worth the money to hire an agent? If you want to submit to a large publishing house, an agent is sometimes required. However, there are many ways to get a work published now and each method has its pros and cons. Many authors are turning to self-publishing, blogs, electronic publishing, etc. Many books have experienced success in these alternate channels, and with electronic methods becoming more accepted and integrated I wonder if it's threatening to the literary agents. There are a number of benefits I didn't even realize came with a literary agent until reading the description of what they do.

But there's no disagreement on the fact that after that first sale is made, a good agent is a tremendous boon to a writer's career. Agents have industry contacts and inside knowledge that most writers don't possess. They keep current with editors' tastes and needs, know what new imprints are starting up and which ones are downsizing, stay abreast of changing corporate policies, keep track of who's newly hired and who just got fired. They negotiate advances and publishing contracts to their clients' advantage, and are experienced in marketing subsidiary rights. Just as important, agents serve as writers' advocates in the increasingly complex and competitive world of publishing.

It appears these people still have their uses, as long as you're not getting scammed. Once again, I see no solid answer as to whether or not hiring an agent is worth the money...I suppose it all depends on how much you're willing to risk and what exactly it is you're wanting to publish.