I have been asking myself this same question. I have contacted about a dozen reps in Chicago and got two responses. Sorry we are not looking for any talent right now. Or the other reply was no reply at all. I have emailed called on and tried to talk with several magazines to get more work and that has seemed to be a dead end also for now. I will keep trying I think the key is finding a rep that likes your work and may have clients that fit your style of shooting. I have asisted a couple photographers with reps that were great and some that well you know. I know a couple catalog houses closed up this year and last which put a few photographer out of work. Some companies are doing there own photography. Like U-line, Kohls, JC Penny, Bass Pro shops, Cabelas, Swiss Colony, They seem to want 8-10 years of digital experience and low end salaries. Let me know if you find anything and I'll do the same.
David