Today's unsolicited writing advice:

If you are chasing Traditional publication it is far more involved than self-publishing just to get a foot in the door. Do your research. It's a valid path but it's not really the easier one (sometimes more profitable).

Also: Get a lawyer.

But that's why I get an agent! So I don't need a lawyer!
Wrong.

Who is going to look over your contract with the agent to make sure it's good for both of you? Do you have the legal expertise to do that?

Don't sign anything without a copyright lawyer looking at it. Please.

https://www.lauraresnick.com/writers-resources/faqs-working-with-a-literary-lawyer/

Reference for: Getting a lawyer to look over your contracts and why.

Also: Be willing to change anything in your book they tell you to. Including gender/race of the main characters, plot points. They are going to make your book marketable (which often means politically correct and widely marketable).

If you think, hey great! I'll make lots of money I'm okay with this! Great! Go for traditional publishing!

If you're not okay with this be prepared to fight the editors for sometimes years on revisions. (or you know..go indie and control all of your content).

For instance: Did you know that 99% of agents and publishers will throw your submission in the trash if there's one error in your first 10 pages?

Do you know what it takes to write a first chapter that hooks them?

I had my book I was going to query in a harsh critique circle for 2 years before I thought it was 'ready' to query. Most people are now suggesting you pay an editor and a proofreader before you send out your manuscript.

Another thing people might not realize:
It can take years to get your book through. And it can get through and sit on the shelf for six months and go out of print (instead of making you a millionaire like we all hope). Definitely research what happens to your rights then.

And again, I'm not trashing Traditional publishing. IT IS still a valid path and the payoff can be a lot faster/bigger. But it also can not pay off at all or be just as much a struggle and people don't talk about those authors that got through and faded into obscurity.

Also a misconception about Trad publishing:

Authors do not control the covers there. The publisher will do your cover however they want to do your cover. They might ask for your approval, they also might not. Publishers that work with authors on this are rare.