My boyfriend has already written a science fiction book and is attempting to publish it. I've seen some places that state a literary agent is necessary on many occasions or the publisher won't even look at it. Is this true? If not how do you know which publisher to go to? Any recommendations or advice for a young first time science fiction writer?

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A literary agent isn't NECESSARY so much as it is strongly, STRONGLY recommended. There are certain publishing companies that won't give any unagented manuscript a second look, but other companies do take unagented submissions. Be forewarned, though, if he doesn't have an agent, his book better be rival in literary merit to Proust or Faulkner. He should probably find an agent before he even tries to submit it anywhere. Find "Guide to Literary Agents", a book sold at most book stores, for him.

Find an agent. Your boyfriend might want to try some of the magazines first. I am not sure if "Amazing Fantasy" is still being published, but "Playboy" and a few other magazines are looking for short stories. Just an option.

I would look into the Writers Market book or website, they will help narrow your search to agents and publishers of your specific genre.

It's not required but is recommended. Just writing something isn't good enough thousands of people everyday want their book published he has to edit it extremely or else the published reject it immediately. Also it is possible to publish books without a fancy company. The sources below is a do it yourself but it can only be bought online. Borders also has a self-publishing thing that does hold in their stores but it can cost anywhere from 150 to almost 300 if I'm not mistaken. Book selling is extremely hard particular if it's realized that the average book only sells about 500 copies. Make sure you're boyfriend knows that he's certain about publishing his book and be very careful on you're decision. Lastly at book stores there are books you can buy that have a list of publishes and their preferences in what books they're looking for. I hope this helps you, and best of luck on the book!

http://www.sfwa.org/writing If he doen't already have that link, he should. It has several nice articles. There are a few sci-fi publishers that still take unagented manuscripts, BUT, an author is always better off with a good agent. He should also consider joining the writing group absolutewrite.com/forum (lots of good adise and link there, and a sci-fi subforum)

My advise is that he go to writer's workshops at SF conventions or if he can afford it, Clarion Workshop. This way he will meet authors, editors, publishers, and agents. He should subscribe to Locus Magazine and get to know the people in the SF field that he will be selling to.

Literary agents can do the brokering for you when it comes to publishing your science fiction book through traditional publishing houses that will review and make thorough evaluation of your book before it finally gets published. That is, when they accept it. If you want to get published immediately and according to how you want your book packaged, you can opt to self-published it - which is now what most writers do.