I'm thinking, "Yes."
Disclaimer time. The above only applies if you are actually a pretty good writer. I don't want to sound like I think anybody of any writing ability level can get published with luck (although I bet it's happened before).
What I mean is this: There are a lot of really, really good aspiring writers out there not getting noticed. I've been doing a lot of research lately about agents, publishing and writing. I feel like this is all I do with my free time (and no I don't counting writing as free time). I've read some good queries that led to getting an agent. I've read many articles titled, "How I Got Published." Of course, talent is required. This should be a given. Just as big as this seemed to be timing and luck. The queries were good but I wouldn't necessarily think them any better than others from unpubbed authors I've read. The story ideas were great but, again, so are a lot of others from those not yet noticed. As I said, the timing was right for that idea. With a bit of luck (have I said along with talent?), that particular query hit just the right note at the right time with the right agent. Agents even say it often times in interviews. They turn down good ideas from good writers everyday because it's not what they were looking for at that moment.
Now, you may say to yourself, "This is even more depressing than I thought," but I see it differently. I think my writing has gotten better. When I compare, it seems close if not spot on. Most of all, I think it's just not my time yet. I'm getting there but not there yet. The people I read about in "How I Got Published" or "How I Got My Agent" are everyday people just like you and me. That's freaking awesome! Kudos to them. The one thing they all seemed to have in common (again, besides talent;D) is persistence. We have to keep going. Have to keep practicing, if you will. Only good things will come from it.
Recent favorite book: Always Something There to Remind Me, Beth Harbison
Favorite song to write to: Peace, by O.A.R.
