There are a tiny number of publishers that accept unsolicited manuscripts (those that don't go through a literary agent), so getting an agent first is a really good idea.
At the library or bookstore is Guide to Literary Agents, published by Writer's Digest, or Bowker's Literary Marketplace (or visit http://www.agentquery.com). Look for agents that specialize in your genre, and are looking for new clients. Read, and follow, their submission guidelines. In those books will be something about writing a query letter, which is what you send to the agent, first. It's part synopsis of your book, and part explanation as to why your book deserves to be published. You have only that one-page letter to wow the agent, so take the time to make it a good one. Expect the whole process to take lots of time, and expect many rejections. When you are accepted by an agent, they will send your book to publishers, not you. The whole process is free, except for postage, until your book is bought by a publisher. That is when the agent gets their cut (usually 15%) of the money which would go to you.
If you decide to self-publish, then you will pay (potentially up to a couple of thousand dollars, depending on which publisher you choose). Also, the marketing of your book is up to you.
Good luck!Can you just send your manuscripts to publishing companies online?
If they accept them that way. You have to research that.
It's advisable to look for an agent, since most publishers no longer take unsolicited manuscripts. Some agents will take email submissions (but only after they ask for them).Can you just send your manuscripts to publishing companies online?
Publishing companies and Agents have guidelines on what to send to them and how to send it to them. Read about these guidelines in "Writer's Market" or "Jeff Hermanns" Guide to Publishers and Agents.
You can find a copy at your public library if you don't want to buy a copy. That will give you a sense of what to do.
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