How do you find a literary agent for your novel?
To find an agent, look for agents representing your genre and market. Find out if they're taking submissions. Then write a good query and manuscript, and submit to a well-researched list of agents. Don't send the same query to everyone. Use the agency website, industry resources, and book acknowledgments to find agents. Steer clear of agents who ask for improper fees or guarantee publication. Keep a record of all submissions and responses.
How to find a literary agent
You are looking for a literary agent for your particular kind of book who knows who will read it and has a professional manner in which to work with you. That takes some research. Most of us know that sending the same query letter to every literary agent in the world isn't the best way to start.
Define your novel
When you begin searching for a literary agent, be sure to know what kind of book your novel is, whether it's adult fiction, young adult fiction, children's fiction, romance, fantasy, crime, literary fiction, commercial fiction, etc., and have a general idea of how many words there are and some examples of novels similar to yours. This will help you narrow down which agents are looking for your type of work.
Make a list of possible agents
You can build your research list using agency websites, legitimate agent directories, agent interviews, conference handouts, and acknowledgments sections in books that are comparable to yours. Make sure the agents you are interested in are actively looking for what you write and are open to receiving queries from you at present. You can check out their current sales or represented authors if this data is available. Just because they have a famous client doesn't necessarily mean that they are right for you.
Get your materials ready
Finish and revise your manuscript before you start querying. You'll generally need a query letter, synopsis, and sample pages, but the specific documents and their formatting depend on what each agent requests. You're welcome to customize the first paragraph of your query if you have a legitimate reason for doing so, e.g. if an agent has publicly expressed an interest in your type of story or is already representing something similar to your book.
Submit with care
If you can send queries in small organized groups, do so and document the date, submission material, and response. Always adhere strictly to the instructions provided by each agent. It's possible that an agent does not wish to receive repeated follow-up emails. If they don't respond, it doesn't necessarily mean they think you're a bad writer.
Watch out for anyone who promises to publish your book, charges an exorbitant fee just to look at your query, or tries to rush you into signing. If an agent wants to represent you, read the contract closely. Consider getting outside legal advice before you sign.