Hi Chood, I like the synopsis, and I LOVE a book with a map!

I think you meant to link to wattpad.com? Can't say I've heard of them, but my author wife is 'aware of them, but nothing more' she just yelled from the office...

I know a bit about publishing and the first rule for authors is: "If a publisher asks you for money: spit in their face then run for the door" (or words to that effect). Publishers are there to channel money from readers to writers, and in exchange the writers are there to produce books the readers want to throw money at.

There are writers organisations out there who can help you with advise, both artistic and legal (although I don't know about one in the fantasy market).

Getting a contract with a publisher is tough, there's no way around it, but a good publisher will give you an editor to work with to make your book easier to sell, and pay for a cover designer, and have it proof-read and hopefully marketed. You get less per sale than from self-pubbing, but you probably will get more sales to make up for it. The best route seems to be a hybrid of published and self-publishing for different book types (which is something Wattpad seems to be suggesting in their paid books section).

My apologies if you know all this already, but I hear about too many writers who deal themselves a bad hand by not investigating the industry, and not treating writing like a (very badly paying, but very real) job.

Probably worth putting a chapter or two up, for the beta reading experience. I'm certainly up for another slice of fantasy to read, and I promise only constructive criticism! :)

Good luck with whatever route you decide to take