Umm.. Yeah, archers are like casters. You suck at first. So I would second a claid to start with. Use a claid or sword and board until you are closer to 20. Right now you can't hide and you can't aim. You are going to just die die die.

Also you can set your stats to whatever you want for first 20 levels and then fix your stats right before you turn 20. So you can set your strength for 100 right now which would help with your cock times. What race and profession are you playing?

Right now you can't hide and you can't aim. If you absolutely have to do crossbows then you are better off firing from the open and not aiming. Cock the cross bow, load, wait for rat to attack, kneel, fire, stand.

I would strongly suggest using anything other then ranged for at least the first 15 levels. If you still want crossbows then I will see what I can come up with.