One of my favorite authors, Gordon Korman, started his writing career when he was 12. I recently found out how. He found a publisher’s address on the back of one of their books. He mailed his manuscript to them, and it was accepted. He didn’t have an agent. The book was published when Gordon was 14.

Put yourself in a position to get lucky. Send the cold email. Reply to people. Publish and promote your work. 

Because, why not?