Look at your talent manager's description to see if he or she is associated with all unions affiliated with entertainment--namely the actor's unions if you're becoming an actor. If he or she isn't a member of Screen Actor's Guild , Actor's Equity or American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, they may be a greater risk for unethical conduct.
Check to see if your manager is a member of the Talent Managers Association. Know that talent managers associated with this organization are proven to uphold a greater sense of ethics.
Go to the "List of Members" section on the TMA website (see Resource 1) to see a listing of all reputable talent managers affiliated with this non-profit mutual benefit corporation.
Keep in mind that most of the talent managers you'll find as members of the TMA will be ones located in the bigger cities, particularly Los Angeles and New York City. Consider moving to these cities in order to obtain the best talent managers in America.
Look into the option of moving to alternate arts cities like San Francisco where good talent managers reside that still affiliate with the unions and TMA.
Know that if you live in a smaller city, you can still get a reputable big city talent manager, as long you're willing to commute to their city for auditions on your dime.
Ask your friends and associates in the entertainment world who they have as a talent manager in order to narrow the search down. Gain inside information to save time and learn from the bad or good experiences your friends went through.
Find a reputable lawyer who can act on your behalf to check contracts when a talent manager you have demands you sign on a dotted line. Have your lawyer go over the contract to make sure there aren't loopholes that could make you lose money or put your career in jeopardy.
Learn from the past by reading up on biographies of music legends--mainly Elvis Presley--who endured shady management by Col. Tom Parker (see Resource 3). Understand what a talent manager is capable of doing in fooling a client when dealing with finances and guiding an entertainer through questionable career choices.