Why not "seeking your representation"?

glion · May 17, 2010

Somebody please set me straight here.

I frequently see queries with the phrase "seeking representation," or some variation thereof, but would it not be more proper to write "seeking your representation?" I understand that one might write "I am seeking representation" with a general sense of intent, but if you are personalizing your query, it seems to me you would write "your representation." No?

CheyElizabeth · May 17, 2010

Good point.

I don't use the phrase at all in my queries, it's just stating the obvious. I woudln't be sending a query if I wasn't seeking representation.

Mishell · May 17, 2010

I am with CheyElizabeth. I have so much to say in so little space I generally skip anything that can be assumed.

I start with something like "My 100,000 word fantasy novel, FANTASYNOVEL, concerns a young maincharacter who..." blah.

Maryn · May 18, 2010

I interpret it this way. Since the author is writing Ms. Agent personally, the 'your' is understood. They're seeking representation, yes, and writing to you to see if you'll provide it.

Maryn, who's got no problem with the missing word

scarletpeaches · May 18, 2010

I don't write anything like that at all. Why else would I be contacting them other than to seek representation?

Danthia · May 18, 2010

Because you're not seeking only that one agent's representation. You're "seeking" it from a number of places, and that agent is one of them.

Jamesaritchie · May 18, 2010

If you have to write anything like that, you've already gone wrong. Agents are not stupid. They know why you're sending them a query.

It's like submitting a short story with a cover letter that says. "I am seeking to have this published."

Well, duh!

Now, if you aren't seeking representation, or you don't want to have a submitted story, you should definitely explain. Otherwise, you're just adding unnecessary, and pretty darned annoying, words.

DeleyanLee · May 18, 2010

Am I the only one who gets a picture of a smarmy guy saying, "I want YOUR representation"?

Just checkin'

Cyia · May 18, 2010

I'm seeking representation. Someone represent me! You, another agent, someone! If you don't like it, pass it along. Represent me right now!

Smish · May 18, 2010

I agree with the others who have said not to mention that you're seeking representation in the query letter. Agents don't spend a lot of time reading queries. So, you need to every single word count.

Why not "seeking your representation"?

glion

CheyElizabeth

My horn can pierce the sky!

Mishell

That Clarion chick!

Maryn

I Tried

scarletpeaches

Danthia

Jamesaritchie

DeleyanLee

Writing Anarchist

Cyia

Rewriting My Destiny

Smish

Reads more than she writes.

Why not "seeking *your* representation"?

My horn can pierce the sky!

That Clarion chick!

I Tried

Danthia

Writing Anarchist

Rewriting My Destiny

Reads more than she writes.

Why not "seeking your representation"?