HarperCollins recently created a website,
http://www.authonomy.com, in which writers can post excerpts, or even the full manuscript of their books, self published, or seeking a publisher, for others to read. at the end of the month, the highest rated ones will get sent to a editor at harpercollins, who will read it, consider it, and review it.
Shameless plug time, and also so you guys can read part of my book:
http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=2690if anyone else puts their work up, post a link here so we can oggle it!