Should you desire a readership beyond friends and family, you'll discover that the odds of getting your work published can be daunting. However, you can gain an advantage over competing writers if you understand the market, the submission process, and the publishing options available. You also need to know where to send your work; how to catch an editor's interest; and how to obtain an agent when appropriate. Finally, you must be mindful of protecting your work and what rights to retain.