There are several publishing houses out there who do not require an agent. This sounds tempting until I read the fine print for their submission guidelines.
The one that I’m considering requests a query email, a 2-5 page synopsis and the entire manuscript as attachments.
My concern centers around my constant worry that someone will ‘borrow’ my story without my knowledge. Compared to the usual process that an agent requires, which is a query letter first, after which they request perhaps the synopsis and possibly the first three chapters, it seems to me that providing everything upfront, electronically, with no prior interaction with a human being puts me at somewhat of a disadvantage.
Am I being a bit paranoid? Probably.
I’d be interested to hear from those of you who are published whether you worked through an agent or dealt directly with a publisher.
Debi Graham-Leard 
Did you check them out on Editors and Predators? That’s where I’d start.
Not yet, but I will before I submit anything. THANX!