Levine estimates New York has thirty editors who are really interested in serious first novels. Levine agrees there is an audience for fiction, but is unhappy about the cost of hardcover fiction. Levine was excited, as were other members of the publishing community, to see a paperback book recently reviewed on the front page of The Times Book Review. When paperbacks are reviewed perhaps mass market paperback houses will think about consistently publishing original serious fiction. In fact several houses such as Bantam and Avon have already begun to do so.
Agents are more likely to take on nonfiction writers.
For first novelists having a difficult time, Levine recommends the small press. When you love a book, you can't give up. She cited small presses such as Madrona, North Point, Creative Arts, Capra, Ecco, and Persea, and university presses such as Pittsburgh, Louisiana State, and Illinois. The main thing is not to give up. More than a few houses will stay committed to first fiction.