How to choose the right agent when you don’t have notable work yet?

[matthew219]

Hi everyone PolyTrack

I’m a new author, I’ve finished my first manuscript, and I am in the process of finding an agent. But I’m still very confused:

I have no notable accolades, no awards, and I’ve never been published — how can an agent recognize my potential?

What factors should I prioritize when choosing an agent: experience in my genre, publishing network, contract negotiation ability, or personal reputation?

Is there a way to check if an agent is trustworthy (through transaction records, the author has signed with them)?

What are the common mistakes that new authors often make when working with agents that I should pay attention to?

If you have been through this stage, can you share your specific experience — what helped you decide on that agent or what made you regret it?

I look forward to receiving advice from experienced authors or people in the profession. I want to understand better how to go about it with less risk and choose the right partner for long-term cooperation.

Thank you all for reading and sharing!