/lit/ - Literature

So let me get this straight, if I want to get published by a reputable publisher, I have to get an agent?

No other way around it?

Ok fine, but furthermore, in order for them to read it, I must make a "query letter" that basically describes the plot of my book?

REALLY!?!

What's to stop them from straight up stealing my idea and writing a half-assed hack job of a story from my premise that I've given to them for free?

They have all the power, the publishing housing, the advertising funding, and the stores to sell them at....

If they can make fanfiction based off of teenage vampire fiction sell billions of dollars, they can definitely make millions from my "premises".

Let's say I sue them for stealing my ideas, I don't have money to hire a lawyer to do that.

Just can't win in this world...