How can I find a reputable literary agent?

I really like the current issue of the "Guide to Literary Agents". It is from the folks at Writer's Market, who do an excellent job is creating resources for authors to start their research of agents. I'd also recommend their book "Formatting & Submitting your Manuscript".

As for finding out if they're reliable, and excellent resource is the website Preditors and Editors-- they are a good jumping off point to start your quest!

http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/

If you have written any poetry or short stories, you should try submitting them to journals or magazines that are appropriate (Writer's Market can help you find some). It helps if you have proven that your writing can sell! Agents like to know that you are a commodity people are willing to spend money on.

The Writer's Market is a book filled with names and sources of literary agents, publishing houses and information on how to get your book published. I think it comes out bi-annually and you can pick up a copy at Barnes & Noble or any other reputable retail bookstore chain. They also have a website.

The other alternative is to look on the inside of the books that are similar to ones you have written and see who has published that book. Send a copy of your manuscript to that publishing house and see what happens. They may send it back to you with a list of names of agents whom they deal with and recommend forwarding it to one or several of them first.

Good Luck!

My first instinct is to make sure you obtain legal backing. Copywright your book so no one else can steal it or alter it to make it theirs. Then Contact authors! Wouldn't someone who has working knowledge of a literary agent be able to refer you to an agent ? I never look people up or answer ads, I only use people and services through referrals of people that I can get information from, good bad and the ugly.

Amateurs. not the excellent to symbolize you. try Nancy Gallt. Very respected agent. Represents Rick Riordan. Or, you are able to look on the author's industry or instruction manual to literary brokers.

heck i can hardly right a answer on yahoo.

good luck with your book