Attracting agent attention as an unpublished writer is tough so if your novel is ready (shorthand for rigorously well edited and as strong as you can make it) perhaps think about entering some of the high-profile competitions. Having worked with winners of the Bridport and the Lucy Cavendish prizes I’ve seen the interest a highly-regarded accolade can generate, even being shortlisted is a bonus. If you can embark on the process of submitting to agents with a platform for your writing – something impressive to mention in your cover letter – then you’re already more visible. Also, the process of preparing to submit to a competition, and producing a pitch perfect synopsis, really does focus the mind.