[Leisha]

Originally Posted by Allanon

I am in the process of writing my first book. What I want to know is what do I need to do about getting it published when i'm finished.

Who do i need to contact and what are agents for etc...

I realise all this info is probably here but as anyone on this site who knows me can vouch, I am SERIOUSLY computer illiterate! All help will be gratefully recieved.

Stephen

As Culhwch says, read it through many times first. More often than not your work will be far from complete after the first and second drafts. If you still decide to go ahead with aiming for publication (and good luck if you do), it may be useful to consider showing your work to someone who can give you reliable feedback (so no friends and family, unless they're very honest). A good place you could do this is the Critiques section of this website. The people here, especially Chrispen, will give you valuable feedback.

Also, since I noticed your misspelling of "received", it might be worth checking whether you're are making some common errors in your writing (such as adverb/adjective overuse, misspelt words, verb-adverb combinations, etc) that could be easily fixed with a little more time. Basic errors in work can lead to manuscripts being rejected; I've read that some agents hate it if you mix up your possessives and contractions.

For help with these, and to check whether you make any of these simple mistakes, you could read my other post here.

As for agents, yes, you should try snagging one once your work is complete. But be warned, it's difficult. The larger agencies receive hundreds of submissions a week, so for your work to be noticed, it has to be very special. But, saying that, I believe you should try to get an agent, if you can. A good agent will hype your story to the editors at the right publishing houses, make sure your work is well presented, and when they do send it to the editors, they will send it with enthusiasm and professionalism. Which, in my opinion, is invaluable since submissions sent without an agent to publishers are added to their "slush pile", which can take months to receive a reply from.
However, never pay any agent an upfront fee for reading your work; if they do, they're likely a scam. Good agents only make their money when you do; in other words, when your book is sold to a publishing house. Or so I've heard; of course, others may correct me if I'm wrong.

A good link you could read: Bloomsbury.com - Writer's almanac

I hope some of this advice is useful.