As I read the title I just wrote, I realize how pretentious it sounds, but it’s true! Just bear with me while I explain.
As you may know, I was at a writer’s conference earlier this summer. One of the most important things I learned was that editors and agents won’t consider working with authors who have never been published before.
Before you start saying, “But that doesn’t make sense! How can you be published for the first time then?”, let me clarify. Anything you write and have published counts, not just books. That’s why it’s so important to expand your writing beyond the next great novel you’re working on. Start with simple things, like devotionals or book reviews. Those are great ways to hone your writing, as you must convey a lot of information with few words.
Another way to get bylines is to enter short stories or other pieces to contests. I have yet to do this myself, but I am working on a short story to send in to a competition. I know it’s hard to put something out there to be compared to others and judged, but it’s well worth the effort.
I encourage you to branch out and try writing in different areas than you are comfortable in. Write a news article, or a poem, or in a different genre. It can be fun and you might even find a niche even more suited to you as a writer.
Until next time, fellow wonderers!
Kate G. Jameson 
News writing always helps, since there is always news and usually a need for someone to write it. And sometimes you can even get paid for it!