Fiction author writes book. Agent will respond favorably and request your proposal or manuscript or will respond negatively. Keep good records of who responds. If the agent decides to represent you, he or she will call you or meet you to make sure there is some chemistry and explain guidelines. You, too, should discuss your requirements and expectations.
Agent sends author contract.
Title is reexamined and chosen carefully. Agent circulates your project. You're probably going to see some rejections. Agent confers with author. Agent accepts advance and basic offer on behalf of the author.