How do I find a Manager/Agent?

I am a Singer/Songwriter and am looking for someone to manage me or represent me. I have found way too many online sites that “say” they will do this for a fee.

I do not want to pay upfront, yet it’s a waste of time to send my Demo to record companies who will never bother listening.

What do I do? Any suggestions?

I don’t know about music, only acting and writing, but I suspect that there is a book listing musical agents. If there is an organization of agents with ethics guidelines, that would help. In the areas I know about referrals work very well also.

Interesting articles sort of related to the topic

[url"http://www.tri7entertainment.com/articles/talentagents.htm"]What Does A Talent Agent Do?

WHAT DOES A MUSIC AGENT DO?

WHAT ARE THE MAIN DEAL POINTS IN AN AGENCY AGREEMENT?

So you wanna get a talent agent?

The backstage.com message board also seems a likely place to ask this question.

What Does A Talent Agent Do?

Thanks for the links astro. I think it’s time I join the Musicians Union to start, maybe they’ll have some contacts or something.