Are you writing for publication?

I have completed one novel and I'm close to completing my second. Although I have many more hours of editing to do with both books - you got to love the editing. I am not entirely happy will my work as of yet, (it is sometime terrible being a perfectionist).
I have made a list of agencies that will manage my books according to the genre - historical / native romance. Yet, I hold back, for I have questions that as much as I search the web the answer aren't there.

At risk of appearing ignorant I ask:
I live in Canada and all the agencies and publishers that deal with the genre in which I write are in the United States. If I get signed on to an agency will I need to travel to meet with the agent? I do not object to the traveling, however its the cost. So due to the all mighty $ I hold back.
Lastly, I ask: Does word counts, really matter? And is it common to use ones own name or a fictitious name when getting published?