So you want to get published? It's not exactly rocket science but why don't you operate the way the agents operate? Would it shock you if I told you the agents NEVER EVER send a manuscript to a publisher, nor do they send the first three chapters. If you haven't got an agent then you have to start acting like one. A met an agent at this years London book fair and over a few beers he spilled the beans. Send a manuscript he laughed, "yeah that's one way of making it to the rubbish bin." He continued. "The publishers don't have time to read books these days... they want a book proposal and a treatment." I was stunned. "What's a treatment? What's a proposal," I asked. I bought him another beer and he explained.