I guess by using the word "ideally," I meant that's an ideal situation. Again - sorry if that seems aloof or pretentious. I just mean it's so great if a person already knows a writer. Working through one's own network is always a great first step. Sometimes there's even a distant cousin who has gotten a book published, or a former teacher or professor.

I agree - many many people do not know any professional writers, or haven't gone to college, or don't live in a neighborhood friendly enough to find a local author to get advice from. That's why I suggested people who are not in the privileged, ideal situation would need to find an agent using one of the lists of agents who accept outside submissions. (I linked to two in the piece.)

And, as many have suggested, there are paths to publication that don't involve agents.