As an literary agent I receive piles of emails from writers, writers on the fringe, and wish-they-could-be writers that are braving the road to writerhood. Usually the question is the same, “How do I get published?” Good question, but it may be the wrong one to ask. It may be better to ask “What kind of writer am I?” After you answer that question, choosing the next step usually becomes clear.

Here are the three most common types of writers I come across. There are undoubtedly more, but go with me. I’m a simple guy and I like things in three. Chances are that you’ll see yourself in one of these…if you’re honest.

The doers. The first group (the writers) is hard at work, daily grinding away at the lonely, tedious struggle of honing their craft before anyone else is up or long after everyone has gone to bed. Writers write. It’s what they do. I follow Lance Armstrong on Twitter. Right now he’s in Aspen training for a 100-mile mountain bike race called the Leadville 100. Lance is a cyclist because that’s what he does, day in and day out whether it’s sunny or raining, good conditions or bad. Like athletes, writers write when they feel like it and when they don’t. Call it habit or obsession if you want. It’s really called discipline. If that’s you, you’ve figured out 90% of the game. You are the minority.

On the fringe. The second group dabbles in writing, but is conflicted about how to go to the next level. You work all day, come home to the kids, fix dinner, pay the bills, spend time with your loved ones, put them to bed, and…by the end of the day you’re toast. Crispy, crunchy burnt toast. The day’s gone and so is your energy. You dream of the luxury of a wide open calendar and endless days of nothing to do but write. If you just had that you could make it as a writer. Problem is, you’ve been stuck in this cycle for–how did this happen?–years with only a few half-completed stories to show for it. Nothing has happened. You are at a crossroad. You’re in the majority.

Wishing on a star. If you’ve ever said, ”I have this great idea. I’ll tell it to you and you can write it, then we’ll split the sales” or “I want to be the next _________ (insert your favorite: James Patterson, Ted Dekker, Dean Koontz), but just don’t have the time for the work,” this is you. You want to be Lance Armstrong without having to actually get on a bike and train. A surprising number of you exist, but (no offense) I don’t have time for you. It’s probably best if you go back to watching re-runs of “Lost” or “24″ while the rest of us get to business. Again, no offense, but this isn’t for you.

So, there we go. If you’re still reading this you’re probably one of the first two types of writers. So now you’re wondering “Now what?”

If you’re a doer and writing is part of your life, you’ve got to find ways to elevate your game where you can. Put together a writer’s group that will sharpen you and ask tough questions and, most importantly, encourage you. I’m in a group with Eric Wilson, Matt Bronleewe, and Chris Well. I always walk away from our jam sessions totally amped up and challenged. We each bring unique talents and experiences to the table that are invaluable.

Second thing you can do is finish something. Nothing will encourage you like those two simple words: The End. Grit your teeth, pound the keys, and make it happen.

Third (but not last), start making contact with other authors and agents. You’ll get rejected a lot, but you’ll eventually find someone willing to help. Most of all, if you dream of being a full-time writer, start ordering your life as if you are one. Set goals for daily word count, number of queries or contacts, and start networking. The “ivory tower” of publishing is a myth. True, it’s tough to break in, but you’re never more than one or two relationships away from the door.

OK, for those of you on the fringe, it’s decision time. In all honesty, I’m in this group. I’ve been a writer/producer  for a couple of years and have worked hard on other people’s projects, but rarely my own. I, too, want to be a full-time creative. We stand at a fork in the road and must decide what we’re going to do because life is NOT going to become more convenient. The solution: Make time. Set goals. Pay the price. I have scheduled time to write (9p-12a). I’m usually whooped by then, but it’s scheduled and I usually drag myself through it. I have specific word count goals. I’ve decided that the price is worth it even if it takes years. Because it takes that long to become an overnight success. I’ve seen it first hand. Eric Wilson wrote his first few books during his lunch breaks. Chris Well did, too. And Matt Bronleewe is still a music producer by day and a novelist at night. If they can do it, you can.

Most of all, never give up. Please. The world needs you and your stories. You have to believe it before anyone else will. If you don’t, they’ll see it and feel it in your words. See a bold future for yourself and have the audacity to chase it down. Nothing “just happens.”

Which group are you in? What are you doing to chase down your dream of being a writer?