As you can imagine, conveying your invention to anyone you never know nothing about it will be difficult. Therefore, it's a good idea if you are in direct how to prototype an invention. It is possible to meet in person and show the patent attorney any prototypes or drawings you might need to help illustrate your invention. As possible probably guess, the process goes more smoothly if you utilize a patent attorney in your area. Though it can be done, an extended distance relationship will simply strain the process.
Most likely the best way to pick a patent attorney in your area is via word of mouth. To help find referrals (and also to accompany others who have interests similar to yours), you may want to enroll in a local inventors club. You may also sort through the USPTO's set of registered patent attorneys or simply use their database to check your potential patent attorney's credentials.
When you're searching for an appropriate patent attorney, you have to inquire about their experience and background. Inquire further what degrees they hold, time they've spent writing and prosecuting patents, and the number of patents granted. Get references from previous clients and call them to ask about their experience with the patent attorney.
When picking a patent attorney, you'll want to hire a company who specializes in the area your invention is related to. Patent attorneys usually are not equal in most areas. For starters, what exactly is their degree(s) in? This is really important. Some patent attorneys have a degree in engineering. Other patent attorneys will probably be skilled in the area of biology, others physics yet others, computer science. You don't want to take your newly invented cell line (you can patent may be) to some patent attorney having a background in electrical engineering. You would need a patent attorney with a background in biology to help you with this type of invention.
If you have a basic invention, selecting a patent attorney having a general mechanical engineering background will likely help you save some money. Specialized professionals usually charge more.
You need their background your invention type to match as closely as you can. Writing patent applications is a little an art. Obviously, a patent attorney will come in handy to help you from the legalese, a big a lot of knowledge and specific technical detail that have to go together with it. For this reason patent attorneys must have technical backgrounds.