Well, what I see is that most writers either self publish their works in platforms such as Amazon Kindle and similars, or try to arrange meetings with editors in Editorial houses to provide the drafts or "finished but non-edited" version of their novel/story to get reviewed and later on if it's a good investment they decide if to publish it or not.
The process is no different actually from the Webcomic artist, it's all about working as an assistant (Or having any other kind of job) until you can pay to publish your stuff on your own, be recommended by a fellow artist/boss to an editor, get noticed as an independent artist or constantly trying to show your portfolio in Editorial Houses, or you can try win a few contests/competitions be it local or international.
