Nathan Bransford - The Forums

If a new (unpublished) writer enters a contest with a publisher and wins, should he/she find an agent immediately?

Hmm. I don't know, but it's a wonderful situation to be in! I'm not sure if finding an agent now is crucial (it's my impression that these contests have pretty definite terms when it comes to advances, contracts, etc.) but I'm sure that the win would certainly add something to that dreaded paragraph on writing credentials.

Most likely the contest spells out the contract (if one is offered) and it's non-negotiable. An agent wouldn't do you any good.