Small publishers vs agents

Something someone said in one of the other threads got me thinking: going after a small publisher as opposed to an agent.

Does anyone have any experience with this? From what I know, most publishers are very reluctant to take on a new author without an agent or personal recommendation, whether they're small or large. Reason being that my rejection slips are slowly forming a crushing tidal wave that's about to pull me under. At least, that's how it feels. Any thoughts on this?

Super, thank you!

I have one YA novel completed, which was the main one I pitched last year (rejection after rejection came pouring in). I think it needs some tweaking, but once it's ready I'll take a closer look at these publishers.

My current project is a children's; do you know of any children's who do the same? I've checked out a number of links, but each one specifically requests an agent send them it - even the smaller ones I found!

MG, yes - thank you, Undercover, I shall browse around.