How to get published
Rachelle Gardner is an American Christian literary agent with a great blog. She wrote a post on how to get published, which is an excellent summary of the American system.
Australia is similar to the USA, except you don’t necessarily need an agent to get published (some choose to get an agent after having an offer for publication – agents are at their most useful when dealing with contracts), and the place to look for impartial advice is the Australian Society of Authors.
Felicity Banks 
W said,
November 26, 2011 at 10:16 pm
What on earth is she in? A laundry hamper?
Louise Curtis said,
November 27, 2011 at 8:50 am
W: Yup. Note how angry she is about her own cuteness.