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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/29862
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/29862
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

I can't speak to the Italian market specifically, but generally speaking the fiction market is totally saturated with manuscripts, most of them completely hopeless. This saturation means that it is very hard to get over the first hurdle of getting a publisher or agent to even pick up and read your manuscript.

Two ways to improve your chances of getting read are referrals and meeting agents and editors in person.

If you don't know anyone in the industry, you can look for a writing teacher in your area who has connections in the publishing industry. Take their class. In that class they will get to read your stuff. If they think it is good enough they may agree (or even volunteer) to refer you to someone they know in the industry (agent or editor). This will greatly increase your chances of being read.

To meet agents or editors directly, go to a writing conference. Most of these offer pitch sessions where you get five minutes to pitch your story to an agent or editor. If they like your pitch they will ask you to send a sample or the whole manuscript. This way you get read, and you have established the beginning of a relationship with someone on the inside.

Original score: 40