It's quite flattering when you're talking with an agent and they tell you you're talented and want to work with you. All your problems are solved!

Not quite. First of all, do you actually have something to sell yet? Because all the sweet nothings an agent whispers in your ear still won't get you a book deal.

Also? Guess what. Literary agents can be as fickle as middle school girls. One minute, you're the most popular girl in school and they want to be your friend, and the next, you're the annoying runty tagalong they barely have time to deal with.

I still haven't learned what I want from an agent but I do know that it's never wise to go the easy route. Investigate, ask around, and do your homework. Damaria Senne has more on this at Writers Weekly.