slallman~

There are basically two options when looking at getting published. The first is through traditional publishing. This is where a publishing house buys your manuscript and distributues your book. This way requires a good manuscript and a lot of luck. You will most likely need to find an agent prior to finding a publisher.

Another option is self-publishing. There used to be a lot of stigma around this, but that seems to have disapated over the last few years. You can self-publish for free. PublishingRoom offers a free tool that is easy to use. Self-publishing is also a great starting off point for new writers. There have been many success stories of self-published authors being picked up by traditional publishers.

A note about self-publishing: http://bhousley.wordpres.../08/pod-is-bad-business
I also posted this in a new topic.

Buy the Writers & Artists yearbook and have a look through it for practical advice. It is suggested depending on what genre you write to find an agent beforehand. Get your submission package ready - synopsis/preliminary letter and your first few chapters. Find an agent who deals in your Genre and call them requesting permission to send your package. If they say yes, prefrably take the name of the person you spoke to and get it in the post! Print your manuscript double spaced, normal font, pt 12. Make your letter interesting and make your synopsis breif. Send to 1 or 2 agents only at one time. Expect to wait 6 weeks or so for a response.
Good luck x