I don't think this should be past tense. I've never been published for any of my work but...
Your local library should have a list of groups that meet in and around your area. Writer's meetings and how to get published seminars are common at my library. Check there. Check the web.
Post a chapter to one of the online writers groups for review and comment.
Tolkein took a long time to write and publish Lord of the Rings...
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After all is said and done,
more is said than done.
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