What Agents Like to See
Most directories of literary agents indicate what you should send when you approach them about representing their work. Take these suggestions seriously! Here are the most common preferences:
1. Query letter with self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE).
This is the number one thing agents like to see. You won't get a response without an SASE. Do not fax or email unless the agent has indicated it's okay. Hint: If you do email your query, do it as a message, not an attached file or download. It's always a good idea to avoid asking the agent to take extra steps or to risk downloading a virus.
2. Query with brief (1 to 3 pages) summary of project.
3. Query with biographical statement or resume.
4. Query with writing sample (usually 5 to 50 pages).
5. Proposal, outline, and sample chapters (meaning 2 to 3 chapters).
6. Outline and manuscript (usually 20 to 50 pages).
7. Full manuscript and proposal.
Take these preferences seriously! Agents all have their own way of working. Never assume that your project is so special that you can either not be aware of these preferences or ignore them. Few agents want to be sent an entire manuscript unless they've asked for it in response to your query. And always include return postage unless you truly don't care about (a) getting a response or (b) being able to reuse the material.
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