Are there any writers out there that can help me? I have a B.A. in English and would like to find out about how to get published (leading to a freelance career). I haven't been published anywhere, but am wondering about reputable routes to establish myself. How do most writers get started? How do you get an agent? How much do they charge for their services? Also, I would like to learn about how to break into getting books published--the genre could be anything from romance novels to historical fiction. All help is appreciated!

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Usually to get published you have to write. The most important thing to ask yourself is : do I enjoy writing? If you don't, don't even think about taking on a freelance career. Also, as a freelance writer, you will need a stable job before you pursure writing and only writing. Perhaps you might find that your ideas take a long time to mature. Until then, you'd better have some food on the table. Before you wonder anything much about publishing and editing, you should really focus on the novel you plan to write. Don't count your chickens before they hatch; your novel might not get published. Stay confident, but not OVER confident. There is a chance that it could go either way, to published or not. Alright, so let's just say you've been writing and editing for over a year now. Seeing as you are a first-time author, you will want to get an agent first. Make sure they are reputable and have clients with recently published books. Never accept offers in ADs for they are scams. An agent won't have to advertise; you will seek them. Different publishing industries take in different types of novels (genres). For example, the Chicken House, from what I have seen, takes in fantasy. You'll have to do a little background research, but don't worry about this until your novel is complete. There is a publisher for every writer. Along the way, you'll have some problems. Garanteed. This isn't to say you're a bad, inexperienced writer. Everyone has thier obstacles. Like take for instance: Writer's Block. When the writer has either self-doubts or has trouble completing the novel (AKA getting stuck). Fix: Your novel is always unique. No one can master what you can write. Also, have an outline before you even begin to write the novel in itself. It will save you alot of pain. Good luck