A great public service to you writers out there looking for an agent: Writers Beware.

The Science Fiction Writers Association has compiled a list of over 400 questionable or fraudulent agents that received the most complaints from writers. Practices such as fee-charging, paid editing services, referral fees, non-standard agreements, and misrepresentation of skills are all common pitfalls to avoid when contracting with an agent. Surprisingly, I know of a few of these on the list.

Before you go down this road, do your due diligence! Check out the thumbs down list.