I got an email back from the author of "My damn friends.

I have to post this email. It is so great!!!!

Hi Anita,

I self published my first book at iUniverse.com. It's on the website if you want to check out what self publishing is all about. I have two other books that are up for grabs, which is the reason I've decided to post a website. Advice I received from other authors was to join to publisher's marketplace, an online site where agents, writers, and editors can find each other. That's on my site under the For Agents section.

I've been on the hunt for an agent for almost three years (don't freak out)! I've been inconsistently consistent with work and raising a family so it hasn't been like I've done nothing else but search for an agent! Plus, I stopped to write my second manuscript in between so that I have two books to market.

My biggest advice: network by contacting authors like myself. I've gotten some really good advice. Big authors do email you back: Jodi Picoult has emailed me answers to many of my questions. Pamela Satran, Robyn Harding, Boston Globe columnists, they're all quite responsive.

To initially market your manuscript, you'll need a query letter, a synopsis, an author bio. Do you have those? Do you know how to do those? Do you know how to search for agents who have taken on books similar to your material? If not, I can direct you on how to begin with that process.

Good luck, Anita, and don't stop writing! There are many avenues in which to publish your book. Happy Holidays!

P.S. how did you hear about my site? If you stumbled upon it, that would be great! :)
Jodi Blase