That IS the question, isn't it?  How do we new writers who have no novel publishing history get our novels represented?  I'm not sure, since I don't have an agent.

I've heard that there are lots of ways to get an agent.  Meet with them at conferences.  Submit queries to them based on your completed work.  Approach those that represent authors that also write in your genre. 

But none of those actually tell you "how."  I did my homework, I researched dozens of agents.  I checked to see if they were members of AAR or at least espoused to follow the guidelines. I looked for established agents in my genre of women's fiction, as well as reviewed and queried new agents who I hoped would be "hungry."  No one was biting. No one was sufficiently enthused about my work to represent it.  Bummer. There must be something else I need....Luck perhaps?

Being the tenacious writer that I am I decided to go another route. I approached small independent publishing houses that did not require an agent.  After querying a handful I found a winner in Five Star Publishing: Expressions.  The book comes out in February and I will be marketing/promoting and doing the public relations myself.  I got a small advance that I will use for that promotion plan.

So what's the next step? For me, I'm writing the sequel to Feisty Family Values, which is called Patchwork Family.  I hope to have the first draft done this year.  What does all this mean with regard to an agent?  I'm hoping (eternally optimistic) that I will do such a good job promoting and selling my book that when I approach an agent at the next conference or via query I will get their attention.  Will it work? I haven't a clue.  Have I answered the question of how to get an agent?  Nope. I don't have that answer - YET, but I'm willing to keep working toward that goal. 

Best luck on the journey, writing friends,
BD