Try sending at least short stories to mags. Don't go after a big novel first. Most writers start off with short stories in mags/news papers/school papers. Don't get a literary agent/editor .... get some stories published, people see your name around and build up a name, get into a literary association/club/get-together/whatever you call it, have writers friends. I know a kid who's got a poetry book published, but he first sent poems around for almost 2 years. But I mean that's how it is around here...maybe in the U.S. is different..but I doubt it.