Sending your novel to an agent/publisher is a big decision. And as writers are often self-critical it can be hard to take the plunge. But if you are thinking of sending yours out, here are some things to consider first.

It’s finished (with editing!)
It sounds silly, but it’s not uncommon for people to send unfinished stories to agents/publishers. Some even pitch an idea before they’ve started writing. But the hard truth is, if you’re not an established writer, an idea alone is not enough. Agents need to know you can finish work, that you can commit proper time to it, and that they’ve got a complete story to work for. And finished doesn’t mean the first draft either. You need to have edited, and edited and edited some more. It needs to be as polished as you feel you can do on your own.
You’ve read it again…