a Question for Writers on my f'list?

I am wondering, at what point in the novel-writing process should one start to look for an agent? From all I have heard, an agent is necessary for a first-timer, and I do want to get this book published. At the moment, I am, though not quite as far along as I'd hoped I'd be, nearly 40 K words in, and may complete the draft (with luck, and if I stay on pace) by December or January. I have perhaps six chapters to go, not counting the one I'm working on now, and have been averaging two chapters a month. The completed first draft will be around 50 to 55 thousand words, and it's a standalone YA SF novel.

So - do I need to have completed the first draft before I begin the search for an agent, or may I/should I start while in process? At this point, I know I can actually climb this mountain and finish the draft, and I really think I will end up with a good book. I can supply a completed outline and sample chapters, plus a one sentence and one paragraph summary of the book. These are below: ( Read more... )