What do you do if you want to publish a book but you can't afford an agent?

Answer 1

You don't pay agents until you have sold the book. If an agent has asked for any of your money up front, they are not a trustworthy agent!

Answer 2

If you can't afford an agent, you can explore self-publishing options through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or IngramSpark. You'll need to handle more aspects of the process yourself, such as editing, cover design, and promotion, but it can be a cost-effective way to get your book out there. Joining writing communities and seeking feedback from beta readers can also be helpful in polishing your manuscript before publishing.