I agree with these posts, and Chicken Freak had some especially good points. I will add one quick thing. Get published somewhere and as often as possible. Agents are far more likely to take you seriously if you can say, "I have a manuscript, and it's really great. By the way, here is a list of my previous publishing credits." If others are willing to publish you, it says a few things about you: 1. You write publishable material. 2. An agent can take you seriously as a writer because you take yourself seriously enough to pursue publication on your own. 3. If your publication credits are reasonably extensive, it says you're a prolific writer and not simply writing one book in hopes of getting it published and never working again. Everything I have read says that agents love to look for partnerships in their writers, but they have to have a reason to invest in you. Your writing is only part of that. Your "job history" is equally important. Drew
keep in mind that only paid credits will impress them... don't mention freebies unless they're highly respected literary journals that at least 'pay' in copies...