Finding an Agent or Publisher

[[deleted user]]

I'm a first time writer and having tried countless times to find an agent or publisher to take on my novel, I somehow despair that I will ever get to reach those dizzy heights.Currently, I am revising and editing the 6th draft of the story in order to make a new approach to the deities in power.Can any published author tell me the secret,share the mystery or pass on the cipher or code that will unlock the gate to fame and fortune?!

[Emily]

Patrick wrote: "I'm a first time writer and having tried countless times to find an agent or publisher to take on my novel, I somehow despair that I will ever get to reach those dizzy heights.Currently, I am revis..."

Hi, Patrick. Well, with six revisions of your book, it sounds like you are well on your way - congrats!

I'm sure we'd all love there to be a secret code to unlock those gates - and then they'd be stormed, right? - but unfortunately I guess there's little magic involved. My suggestion is to join a writers' group...have you done this already? I'm in a group myself and find it hugely supportive and helpful, not just for the critiques of my manuscripts, but as a way to share information about the crazy book biz. In fact, it was a friend in my writers' group who suggested I send my novel ms to her agent, who then became my agent . . . which led to publication.

Anyway, I highly recommend a writers' group - not just for the work itself, but for the much-needed camaraderie. It's a tough journey, this whole writer thing...am I right? It helps to hear about the trials and travails of others' - and their successes.

Hope that helps - and good luck to you!

Emily

[[deleted user]]

Hello Emily,my cup truly runneth over: I have only joined this group today and already I have a message from you. Thank you so very much for taking the time to write to me-I am indeed very grateful to you.It is so warming to receive comment from an established writer and truly gives me a sense of hope.
My kindest regards
Patrick

[Katrina]

I completely agree with Emily that there is no real magic or mystery at all. It takes a lot of tedious research and work and perseverance.

We're going to try to stick to two or three questions a day, and I have some questions planned as moderator that will circle back to your question and offer some insight. If you can be patient with us as the week progresses and keep following, I think you'll find the answer you seek in a lot of other areas we discuss. I hope you'll trust me on this! :-) And stick with it, Patrick. Emily is so right: it's a tough journey.

[[deleted user]]

Hello Katrina,I can hardly believe that now I have two messages when it was only this afternoo that I signed up to this site.Heartfelt thanks to you for your most informative message- I certainly intend to show all the stamina that it takes to achieve my goal and will be as patient as necessary with the unfolding story on this site.Finally, I have to say that I am truly excited at being able to communicate with writers and now plan to take up Emily's suggestion of joining a writer's circle.
My kindest regards
Patrick

as you know,I am completely new to this site and still learning to navigate around it.