1) Write and rewrite the first 3 chapters of your novel and polish them to perfection. Make them the absolute best you're capable of. It took me almost as long to write the first 3 chapters of Sisters and Lovers as it did to write the entire novel. For tips on writing your novel, visit me at ConnieBriscoe.com

2) Write a 1 to 2 page query letter summarizing the novel. Be thorough but don't give away too much. Leave 'em wanting more. NO typos or glaring grammatical errors. Be sure to include your contact information and a postage paid return envelope. Rejections will likely come by mail (and can sometimes be encouraging); acceptance by telephone.

3) Get a reputable directory of literary agents that describes the kinds of authors and writing the agent represents. I like the Writer's Market directories published by Writer's Digest. (See "Literary Agent or Publisher?" below for why I think you should find an agent before you submit to a publisher.)

4) Search the directory and find the names and addresses of 5 agents who represent the kind of fiction you write (mysteries, women's novels, thrillers, street lit, etc.).

5) Send the query letter, 3 chapters and return envelope to each of the 5 agents (this is a no-no if submitting to publishers; send to only one publisher at a time). Don't worry about multiple agents wanting to represent you. We should all be so lucky.

6) Wait about a month. Continue working on your novel, take a writing course.

7) If no one agrees to respresent you, don't despair! This is a really subjective business. Go back and look at your sample chapters and query letter with fresh eyes and improve on them if you can.

8) Rinse and repeat.

9) If an agent agrees to represent you, celebrate! Scream at the top of your lungs! Buy an expensive bottle of wine. Get romantic with your lover. Make this moment really special. You'll look back on it fondly someday.

10) Now comes the hard (but fun) part--buckle down and finish that first novel and submit it to your new agent.