How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Published
Let's start with the assumption that you've written a great book that adheres to Carolyn's rules and is in all respects an excellent story beautifully written and that the manuscript is properly formatted. I wouldn't recommend sending your entire MS to a publisher. Mostly, that's going to be a waste of postage. Wait until someone asks to see it. That said, there are some steps to take when you've finished your book:
Research the market. Which agents handle the sort of story you wrote and are taking on new clients? Make a list of them and rank them in order of your personal preference. Also, make a note of the requirements for submitting queries and any supporting material that might be acceptable to send.
Target Your Publisher
This means research the market. What publishers are publishing the sort of story you wrote? Find out by visiting bookstores and publisher websites. Make a list and rank in order of your personal preference. Also, make a note of the requirements for submitting queries and any supporting material that might be acceptable to send.
Agent or Not to Agent?
Might as well try both. Many publishers do not accept unagented material. Not even queries. Some agents won't consider clients without publishing credits. Sigh. This is why contests can be helpful. They can get your MS in front of a publisher or agent.
Target Your Agent
This means research the market. Which agents handle the sort of story you wrote and are taking on new clients? Make a list of them and rank them in order of your personal preference. Also, make a note of the requirements for submitting queries and any supporting material that might be acceptable to send.
I have my lists. Now what?
Write a query letter and a synopsis and send them off to the agents and publishers on your list. I have examples of successful queries, which means they resulted in a request for the MS. The exact same letters got rejections, too.