Talk about how you'll work with the agent to develop new ideas, too. If you have an attorney you'll want to use or need a recommendation for one, be sure to discuss this with your agent. Discuss the number of submission copies you'll provide the agent. In some cases, one or two copies are enough. In others, six, eight or even a dozen are more appropriate.
Some agencies require that their clients sign a representation agreement.
The terms of these contracts vary greatly from agency to agency. If you cannot agree on how you will work together, you shouldn't enter into the association. The object is to establish early on the most productive way for your particular client-agent relationship to work in tandem. There is no formula for this but, as with any other relationship, flexibility, understanding and good communication are key factors.