In truth, you are always up against the odds with agents. They earn money as a percentage of the author’s advance, and publishers are wary of first time authors. So only really obvious best seller with get picked up by an agent, because representing you will be long odds of a payback.

You can also pick a smaller press that accepts submissions from authors. These usually pay lower - or no - advances, but it’s a way to get published and get your foot in the door.