[John Jarrold]

It depends entirely on the individual writer. One thing I would always say is don't submit your novel as soon as you've fiinshed it. Put it away for a couple of months, then look at it again, when you can be more objective. You'll almost certainly find problems you didn't see before, because you were too close. But do everything you can, totally professionally, and always contact the publishers before sending your material. Some want to see the full script, others just the early chapters and others don't take unsolicited scripts at all.

Think very carefully before involving an outside editor, because it will cost you money, and you shouldn't spend that unless you are 100% happy to do so. An editor can make your book better and give you general and specific tips about your writing - and writing in general - but there is no guarantee that this will mean your book will be published.