Last night I sent off my first submission pack to my first agent - John Jarrold. John replied within a few minutes, saying he hoped to be able to respond in a couple of weeks.
John's a nice guy, he's taken the time to come and talk to my writing group, and he has a huge amount of experience and reputation. I really hope this works out as he's long been the agent I hoped to have.
Still, I'm also trying to be realistic - it's not an easy process, but you can't help but hope, can you?