is it worth pursuing an agent or sholud you self publish these days? Are there any good online publishing sites that are free (Similar to WATTPAD) where you can gain followers and showcase your screenplays? ) and novels?
What are your goals? What are your strengths, and your weaknesses? How strong is your manuscript? How easy will it be to market? How much of a budget do you have to commit to the project? What's your timeline? How prolific are you? What's your genre? Do you have a platform? Those questions and many more will contribute to the answer of "should you self-publish these days".
I have no experience to answer your first question with, but if you're interested in a site similar to Wattpad, why not use Wattpad?
The answer to your question isn't really something that we can answer for you. When it comes to monetary gain, it can go either way for them. A self published book can be just as successful as a traditionally published book. In either case you need to either be fairly lucky, or have an amazing talent for marketing. Each case can be good, it just depends on what you are looking for in publishing. Are you willing to wait for months? Are you willing to deal with a large amount of rejection? Then go ahead and try to look for an agent. If that isn't working out for you then go ahead and self publish. We can't really tell you which is better for you, because it's really up to you. Each has its ups and downs. One way is easy to publish, but hard to market unless you have the time and means to. One way is hard to actually get published, but depending on the agent and company you go with they can do some of the marketing for you. I'm new at this game, and my information may not be completely accurate, so take what I say with a grain of salt. Either way, just remember that in the end it is up to you.
As others have said, it really depends on your goals. While most of the major publishing houses don't accept unsolicited manuscripts (slush), some do, especially in the genres of fantasy and SF. Smaller houses, an agent normally isn't necessary. And, just because you secure and agent to submit/represent your works, that is no guarantee of being offered a contract. A main drawback is the time it takes (either going it alone or with an agent), with no promise of success in the end. Self-publishing has its own benefits and drawbacks but, in essence, you are the publisher--from securing editing, formatting and cover art, to virtually every aspect of the marketing. And it all comes out of your pocket, with no guarantee of success (however you want to measure it). Both are viable options folks here would be hard pressed to tell you which is the best direction for you. There are plenty of online resources, and individual members here can share their experience and offer suggestions or advice but, in the end, it depends on what you desire and what you want to put into your attempt to reach what you desire. Good luck.
looking at your other threads it seems you are still in the early stages of writing... at this point i wouldnt worry too much about publishing til you have a product.
