If I publish an NF book first....

[M.A.Gardener]

... will that negatively affect me when I go to publish my novel?

I talked with an agent about a non-fiction book and she's interested. She doesn't represent fiction, though, so she wouldn't represent me on that front. When I look for an agent for my novel, will they look at my NF publishing credit and not want to represent me? What do you think?

[johnzakour]

Nope not all. My first three books were non-fiction.

[amber_grosjean]

I'd say go for it! Congrats on finding an agent! If the two books are similar, you could use the same pen name and if you do, publishing a NF book first could help you, not hurt you. Non-fiction books sell more than fiction so I've been told so congrats on getting that far!! Good luck and I hope you go all the way and sell loads!!

Amber

[Deirdre]

It won't hurt, but it may not help, either.

(Speaking as someone who's been there, done that.)