Include a Few Pages with Query

Absolutely not.

Until the contract is signed, the agent is your boss. When it's signed, you're the boss (pretty much, anyway.)

Here's how I approached it: if the agent said anywhere (agentquery.com, blog, website, or answering questions here) that they wanted query only, then I sent query only. I've just read too many stories of agents automatically dinging people for not following the rules.

If the agent had two different preferences (ie: query only for email but query and 5 pages for snail mail) then I always sent pages snail mail because it was my goal to include pages with my query (because I thought they were strong). But I never would have sent pages with email, because clearly by having two different submission guidelines, they only wanted queries when emailed. I just always followed their preference.

If the agent was silent... well... I don't think I ever queried and agent who didn't have their guidelines somewhere.

There are a ton of people who say to include pages whenever and who have done so successfully and in the end you have to figure out what you're comfortable with. I just made the personal decision to follow the agent's guidelines -- did not want to give any agent any reason to reject my work.

I got into the habit of sending my first 5 pages unless the agent explicitly said query letter only. Miss Snark was always in favour of including a small writing sample and that is a good enough authority for me.

I see nothing wrong with sending a few of the first pages just so the agent has a better idea of what your writing is like and if the agent will be interested in reading further. But as Carrie said, I definitely would not send it if their page says query only. If you're not sure, then (if I had the rhetorical nuts for it) I'd send.

I always sent the first five pages with my query. My agent said later that's what made her ask for the full- Interestingly she is one on agent query who says query only. LOL.

I've read a few agent blogs who said if pages show up (I wouldn't do more than two) and the query sounds at all interesting, they'll take a peek. If you have a strong query, I don't think you'd need them, but if you have a story that might be a little tough to get across in a query, or a great voice or unusual style, then adding two pages probably won't hurt. It'll really depend on the agent. If they're a "follow the rules or else" type you're hurting yourself, but if they're more flexible and just want good work, then you'd probably be fine.

I tend to think after chatting with my agent and conversations at Maui with other agents that liking pages sent is the rule rather than the exception- Danthia makes an excellent point- Queries while they get you in the door are not the product- the book is- and if it doesn't deliver no query in the world is going to help you- If your pages shine and your query is less than stellar- your full better be brilliant...