Check companies out on sites like Preditors and Editors. (underdown.org)
If the agency isn't listed with AgentQuery or QueryTracker, go check the forums at Absolute Write, the lists at Preditors and Editors, and the tireless watchdogs at Writer Beware for any reports of scamming or bad faith. (annerallen.com)
Some lizards can change color to what they are on, so they may stay hidden from preditors. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)