Needle in a pinbox...

This search for publishers/agents is getting tedious, and I'm getting worried. Everyone seems to only want writers with a history, or writers with recommendations. The issue is, I'd have to get something published before this can happen. It's this kind of vicious cycle.

I don't do enough short stories for magazines, but I suppose I could start tailoring those I have...

I really wish I had someone around to give me advice. Do I need an agent beofre a publisher? How do I write a query in the first place? I'm sure I can find answers for this, I just need to find the right avenue.

This has to get easier after the first time...right?