Do I really need an agent? Maybe that’s not quite the right question to ask. Here are some better ones:
*Do you know what your manuscript is worth?
*Do you know what publishers are willing to pay for it?
*Do you have connections at all the major publishing houses for your genre?
*Are you well-versed in literary contracts? Do you know what rights are worth leaving with the publisher and which ones you should keep for yourself? Are you comfortable in asking a publisher to revise their boiler-plate contract?
*Do you know whether a 1-book, a 3-book, or a 10-book contract is best?
*Do you know what the current trends are in your chosen genre?
*Do you know which authors in your genre you would reach out to if you need endorsements for your book?
*Do you have a writing career plan? Do you know how to create one?
*Do you have anyone who can tell you whether your ideas for novels #2, #3, and #4 are viable?
*Do you know what edit suggestions are worth fighting for and which ones you should just agree to?
*Do you know what elements are necessary for a good cover?
*Do you know what constitutes a good marketing plan?
*Do you know the elements of a strong book proposal?
*Do you know anyone who believes in your story just as much as you do only has an actual viable plan to get it to the market (including, but not limited to, a wish and a prayer)?
Yes. If you are trying to publish in the traditional market, then you probably need an agent.