Addressing a full - problem...

Check their website, and check sites like AgentQuery to see if you can get a listing of all agents/assistants at the agency.

If you have an email address (or can find an email address from one of those sites) then send an email with a title similar to "Regarding your request for a full on _title_". Explain that you cannot make out the name and would like to know who to address the full to.

If these come up blank you can always call them. We get bombarded on how taboo this is but there are some circumstances where it is okay. Just be short and to the point on the phone and thank them for their time. In my opinion, if they are the type to be put off by a phone call under those circumstances you probably don't want to work with them.

Bear in mind, these are all just my opinions.

I screwed up the email address and had to call back last month.

Luckily, I got a secretary or receptionist who helped me.

Try calling them, a receptionist might help. Say something like, 'I just want to ensure I get the spelling of the name correct..."

I think they'll understand.

He'd have a problem with saying something like that because he doesn't know the name of the agent and there are at least two agents at the agency.

I'd just be honest: "I recieved a request for a full manuscript but cannot read the signature. Could I verify who I should make the package in attention to? My name is ____ and my manuscript is titled ______"

You could photocopy the original letter and include it as a top sheet.

It's the agent's name at the bottom of the letter, right?

If so, that's who I'd send it to. Someone else may be requesting it on their behalf, or it could be that the secretary has typed out a "yes please" letter and signed it for them - but the agent is the person you want to read the manuscript. Although there's no harm namedropping the person who signed the letter if you can figure it out

Dear Agentname,

Enclosed you'll find my manuscript, TITLE, as requested in your letter of April 1, 2007 by your assistant, whose name I can't quite make out...

Maryn, who calls 'em as she sees 'em

Should I ever become an agent, I will pen all my correspondence. I will say, “Please send me the full ASAP. Be sure to follow our guidelines.” And everything after that will be smeared and illegible.

Oh the joy!

1) Call the agency to verify the name! 2) Like someone said: Here is the copy of my manuscript ----- you requested. I look forward to hearing from you soon.