Querying For The First Time

Every agent is different.

Some only want a query. Others want a query, synopsis and the first ten pages. Some want a query and the first three chapters. It just depends.

If I were you, I'd begin with QueryTracker, which allows you to search agents by the genre they represent. Only query agents who represent your genre!!

If you write, let's say historical fiction, then QueryTracker allows you to generate a list of all agents who represent historical fiction. Then you can take a closer look at each one, and learn their query acceptance rates, response times, preferences, etc. Each agent's listing has links to their websites which will show you their specific submission guidelines. Follow those guidelines!

QueryTracker also allows you to create your own list of agents you've researched and would like to query. It's incredibly helpful when you have multiple queries outstanding and are trying to keep track of who has responded and who hasn't.

I second Query Tracker. Exceedingly useful. Just be sure to look up any agent you are considering, and find out if they are on the up and up. A good way to do that is google the name of the agent and add Absolute Write.

You can also find agents by putting together a list of writers who are doing well (lots of sales to good publishers, translations, etc) and then finding out who represents them.

Yes, it is standard. How else can they decide whether they want to actually read your entire manuscript?

That being said, they probably don't always read all ten pages. It's usually abundantly clear by the bottom of the first page whether a writer knows how to put words on the page or not.