Before submitting a query to an agent, be sure this is a person with whom you want to work. As flattering as it is to have someone show an interest in you, try to stay grounded. Like your accountant or your plumber, your agent will be one of your vendors. Your agent is hired by you to do a specific job.

Remember: a good agent is priceless. So is a bad one.

Talk to other writers represented by the agents you are considering. Are they pleased with the relationship or do they plan to seek new representation? If they are shopping for a new agent, find out why. Visit professional writing Web sites to get the scoop on the agent. Many writing organizations (such as American Society of Journalists and Authors and the International Women’s Writing Guild) have agent screening and maintain lists of reputable agents for their members.

As you read the listings, you will note that some agents charge reading fees, some charge for incurred expenses, and some charge nothing at all. The Association of Authors’ Representatives prohibits its members from charging reading or evaluation fees. Since there are so many agencies that do not charge, and as a business, you want the best deal with the best vendors possible, I recommend approaching only those agencies/agents that are members in good standing of AAR.

There is a small but growing trend to shift actual expenses incurred, for photocopying, postage and the like, to the client. A reputable agent may charge a client for these expenses, but a detailed list should be provided and the client should not be invoiced until after the sale to a publisher has been completed.

Agents are inundated with queries and manuscripts. In addition, they must spend time with publishers to pitch existing clients’ works. Therefore, no matter what time frame for responding to queries is indicated on an agent’s Web site or directory listing, double it.