I suspect they want a query, then a synopsis, then the chapters, with the intention of reading the query first.
No, they don't want a query. They mean 'cover letter'. Which is essentially like a query, except that you don't have to include the couple of paragraphs about the story. It would look something like this:
Dear (Agent's Name),
Thank you for your interest in (Book's Title). Per your request, I've attached (or 'included' for hardcopy) the synopsis and first three chapters. The complete novel is (XX,000) words.
*** (see below for what else can be included here)
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
(Your Contact Details if sending by e-mail or if not using letterhead)
If you have publishing credits, include them where the asterisks are; if you don't, don't mention anything. DO NOT include things that aren't considered to be publishing credits, such as letters to the editor, stories in web zines that post pretty much anything they receive, and self-pubbed books.
If you have a professional-level website you can say, 'You can read more about me and my work at (
www.mysitename.com).'
If you have relevant experience, you can include that. For example, if you're a lawyer who's written a legal thriller or an astrophysicist who's written a hard SF novel, say that. (If you're an astrophysicist who's written a legal thriller, no dice. LOL!) If your job is in corporate writing, it's not a bad idea to say that (it suggests that you're already a professional writer who's accustomed to being edited, dealing with deadline pressure, and so on). Otherwise, don't say anything.
These last three are nice, but if they don't apply, don't worry about it. The sample letter above is enough.
