Sending out a physical sample...

I think it's because paper is easier on the eyes. And of course they'd rather have you pay to print your own partial or full out then have to do it on their end.

I still read my manuscripts on paper a lot of the time, mostly when I think I'm done editing. So if that's the way the agent reads, it makes total sense to ask you to print it and not them.

LordDelusions said:

With the world going green and trying to save paper, I can't help but wonder how many agents are doing the same. I know that a few agents request for a e-query, and then will reply if they want a few chapters. and will specify to send it either snail mail or e-mail.
My question/problem is why bother to snail mail it when email is quicker? and saving paper. An agent asked for several chapters via snail mail, but I feel like it would be a waste of paper. :/
Have they not seen/listened to MJ's Earth Song video?
Thoughts?

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Don't you know that computers are much less environmentally friendly than paper? Paper is cheap, and does NOT waste any trees. That's a complete myth.

Computers, the internet, and all the associated plastics and precious metals that go into them, make using paper look day glow green.

It's just weird how many people out there think using paper is bad, but using computers is good.

But only you can say whether your writing is a waste of paper.

LordDelusions said:

My question/problem is why bother to snail mail it when email is quicker?

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Which is exactly why most agents - in this country at least - specify no email submissions. If it's quicker, it's too easy to send out half-baked rubbish before it's ready to see the light of day.

Paper submissions by snail mail, because of the time, effort and money required, force you to polish your manuscript to a shine.

One would hope so, anyway.

Jamesaritchie said:

Computers, the internet, and all the associated plastics and precious metals that go into them, make using paper look day glow green.

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Got a point here. Paper is green, if you think about it. It is completely recyclable, not to mention biodegradable. Look at all the tech gadgets coming out these days. Ever wonder where all this stuff ends up? Check out an e-waste drop-off event in your area. But of course, there's the other side of this argument, which owes to the amount of fossil fuels being used to transport that paper...

As to your question LordDelusions, I think it's best to supply the agent with exactly what they ask for, in the format they requested. Good luck!

LordDelusions said:

My question/problem is why bother to snail mail it when email is quicker? and saving paper. An agent asked for several chapters via snail mail, but I feel like it would be a waste of paper. :/

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There's another aspect you haven't mentioned here: Yeah, it's quicker to send an email submission. But with that quickness comes the expectation of a fast reply.

I've read many agents' blogs where they've STOPPED taking email submissions because the system gets clogged up with people asking if their submission has been read--less than five minutes after sending it. And repeating the question, sometimes becoming irate or profane every few minutes after that.

It gets really old really fast.

Paper and mail slows things down on purpose. It registers on the writer's mind that they're NOT due an immediate response, so the agent might actually have a prayer of getting the envelope open before the demands for updates start flowing in.

I suspect, though, that the main reason paper submissions are preferred by so many is that reading on screen is harder, in all sorts of ways. I have vision problems, and can read for far longer on paper than on screen; I know of several agents who share this with me.

Personally I did not send the prologue, however other folk may have a different view.
Agent Kristin Nelson blogged about this recently http://pubrants.blogspot.com/ (see the entry for Feb 3rd)

Lord, if an agent asks you for your first 30 pages, then send your first 30 pages. If those 30 pages include a prologue then send the prologue; if you're wary of sending a prologue then question whether or not you should include it in the book, make your decision, and then send your first 30 pages.

I realise that prologues are a whole 'nother discussion: but if you don't think yours is worth including in your submission, perhaps it just shouldn't be in the book either.