Do you really need an agent?

Send me a copy of your book, and if it's good I'll be your agent.

Since you're only seventeen I'll do it for free. I'm a teacher and an agent, so I don't feel it's compromising my job.

Or, probably a better idea:

Send your stuff to magazines first. I'm "in the business" as well, and before you worry about an agent, you should worry about magazine publication. Agents will be looking for lit mag publishing credentials. Once you really start getting your stuff published, an agent might seek you out, or you may have to seek out the agent. But this is all very difficult work and you just have to be persistent. As long as you love what you're doing, you've got a shot.

Take a look at this book: Writer's Market 2005. Not only will it give you a list of literary magazines and all different kinds of magazines, it will explain how to format your manuscripts, write cover letters, etc. Also lists publishers.

Better yet, go to www.clmp.org Click on "Member directory" There will be a list of boxes to check. If you write fiction, click fiction, if poetry, click poetry, or click both. Then it will give you a huge list of magazines and links to their home pages. The home pages for the magazines will have submission guidelines and mailing addresses.

Good luck!

Both of those suggestions sound good to me.

Unfortunately...my book isn't finished yet...so I'm still unsure what road to take..but thanks very much!