Why not "seeking *your* representation"?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Just checkin'

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

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.