A Publishing Question for the Author Guy

Author Guy,

Being a young writer who's spent nearly six years now, sometimes lovingly and sometimes begrudgingly raising my first novel to its current state of maturity, I have some practical questions that might be too serious to be taken seriously here, but I'll give it a shot.

I have read in an interview or two how you feel about luck and publishing, but I want some specifics. How long did it take you to find an agent after you finished your first novel? How long did it take you and your agent to sell the thing and get it published? Did you get an advance? If so, how much was it, and did you have to sign on for another book or two? How many books did you publish before you could "quit your day job"?

Sorry if you've answered these questions already. I'm just about to do a final edit and start looking for agents. I'm anxious, curious, hopeful, excited, and sick as hell about it all at the same time. If you get some time, I'd appreciate your answers and any other advice you could offer.

Thanks,

Philip