If I were to summarise my Author’s Journey, including all of its highs, lows and pitfalls, I would say it's all worthwhile in the long run for your own self-esteem. There is no better feeling than seeing your name on the front cover of a paperback ...
However, if a reader doesn't connect with the characters early enough in the story, they will give up after chapter 2 or 3. I always get confused if I read a book and there are too many characters, best to keep them to a minimum if you can. And do try to get constructive criticism of your story from a friend or member of your family, as that will help you on your author's journey too.
The road to becoming a published author can be a long or short one, depending on your destiny or pure good luck, but there are other ways of having your story published. Like me, you could begin with self-publishing and there are many ways of doing that.
Troubador/Matador or Austin McAuley are well-known self-publishing companies, but check their costs, the services they provide, and their T's & C's. Ingram Sparks is another avenue to pursue and is not too costly and Amazon has a way of self-publishing too.
If you self-publish there will be hours and hours of self-promotion unless, like some authors, you do all this online. Amazon is a great way of reaching out to readers and there are other online sites like Goodreads or joining a group such as Write, Read, Review. There are many groups where you can exchange ideas or read what other authors are doing to promote their work.
Then you can get a publishing contract, have an avid following and get many Likes on your Author Page. As for me, would I do it all again? Yes certainly, but now, ten books later, my author journey has come to an end.