Complete and Polish Your Work
First things first, complete your novel. Then, as you seek out a publisher, continue to read over your novel in search of typos, plot inconsistencies or other blemishes. Ask friends to read it over as well. Polishing the story is never complete until the work is published.
Equip Yourself
Aside from pens, pencils, paper, and a computer, you need to equip yourself with knowledge about the publishing process. First, get a copy of The Writer's Market. This comprehensive volume includes listings of publishing companies and agents (and their respective submission guidelines). It also includes articles by authors and agents regarding the publishing industry, ways to polish a manuscript and how to craft solid query letters. A lot of advice in one place; altogether a great deal. Additionally, you should:
• Read articles and books on "getting a book published" by authors who specialize in your genre. Most of these books offer similar advice and are available through the library so you won't need an endless amount of time or money here
• Focus on articles that provide advice on writing query letters, character development and strengthening plot
• Seek advice from published authors on the publishing industry making certain to ask about markets/publishers actively seeking authors
Publish Short Stories and/or Non-Fiction Articles
Attempt to publish short stories or articles before submitting a novel. Even publishing a short story on a website will increase your chances of getting noticed. With regards to such publications, keep in mind the following:
• Seek to publish short works within your genre (poetry, fantasy, historical fiction, etc.)
• Look for websites, journals or magazines seeking short stories or articles. Payment for your stories may be small, but the experience you gain is priceless
Send Out Query Letters
No one is going to know about your novel/manuscript unless you get the word out there, which is where query letters come in. A query letter is a platform with which to introduce yourself and your novel to a publisher. It should be written in a professional manner, one-page in length and include a synopsis of the complete story, a small biography of yourself, a listing of any publishing credits you have and the length of your novel (# of words). Additionally, you should:
• Visit a publisher's website for any specific query and/or submission guidelines they have and whether they are currently open to submissions
• Don't hound publishers to see if they received your query. Decisions could take months. Be patient.
End Thoughts
Getting published usually takes time, so patience is a key ingredient to success. Also, you should be prepared to accept rejection. My book was rejected by eleven publishers before it was finally accepted over the course of five years. Be Patient, and be grateful if you get any feedback or criticism whatsoever. A publisher and/or editor usually won't take time to comment on a story unless she or he saw some good elements in your story. Likewise, be prepared. One publisher may criticize your character development while another publisher thinks your characters are wonderfully constructed. Each publisher is seeking something different, so if your submission/novel is rejected, move on to the next publisher (and remember, it's your story that is being rejected, not you personally). Don't send a nasty email/letter telling off a publisher that rejects your story; the publisher won't likely lose sleep over your rant, but they may spread the word that you're not the most polite person to deal with. It's a small world after all.