That crazy Rebecca Onion does it again, this time profiling the Maria Carvainis Agency in New York. If you're looking for an agent that's hands-on with your work, this one is for you. "Maria and I focus on not just what's sellable right now, but on truly shaping a client's career," says agent Donna Bagdasarian. So look elsewhere if you believe agents shouldn't have a say in the creative product. If you're a fresh face, it might be best to pitch to Bagdasarian, who likes celebrity memoirs, chick lit, pop-culture books, romance and fiction. Or, try the firm's two associates. Moira Sullivan likes literary and commercial fiction, mystery, romance, young adult, and pop-culture books and Dan Listwa is looking for for narrative nonfiction, sports books, fiction, mystery, and legal suspense.

Do not: query by email or phone, submit a boring pitch.

Do: drop a name like you're dropping science. If you have a connection with anybody at the firm, mention it.