Hi, Ryan,
Congratulations on finishing your book!
I don’t know if we’ve had this conversation before, but here’s what I would advise: go to your public library and find a book on writers’ markets — it’s in the reference department. It lists all the English language publishers, including whether or not they will accept unagented manuscripts. It lists their contact persons, and even the kind of work they’re looking for. (No sense sending them your throbbing romance if they’re only looking for war stories and fantasy, right?)
There is also a listing in that reference book for agents and how to get in touch with them. Here’s where I can’t really help you. By the time I decided I should have an agent, I had a track record of 3 or 4 published novels, so it was easy for me to pick and choose. Agents work on percentages — anywhere from 10% to 15% of what your book earns. It may go as high as 20% for film revenues from your book. And don’t complain — they earn it! Writing is a tough business, and your agent spares you all the wheeling and dealing that’s associated with publishing. If you don’t make money, they don’t get paid. That’s how they operate.
Good luck. If you get your book into print, I promise to buy a copy and write you a fan letter!
Best regards,
—-Gordon Korman—-