What Would You Do? First 3 chapters or 50 pages?

[Susan]

If an agent asks for ‘the first 3 chapters or 50 pages’, but doesn’t specify whether to send the higher or lower page count, which would you send?

My first 3 chapters take the story up to page 36. The first 51.5 pages takes the story to a scene break during chapter 5.

 

[Katie-Ellen]

Some chapters might end more quietly than others. Which is fine. How about whichever leaves them with the most momentous break. Mid momentum.

 

[Malaika]

I'd just send the first three chapters. If she doesn't ask to read more, then she's not your agent. Agents want to see capable writing and a strong hook right away. If those aren't present in your first three chapters, they won't ask for a full. If only one of those things is present and the idea presented in the query is strong, they might ask for a full anyway. I think that's the lesson from popupsubmissions. If you haven't got a hook right off the bat, they aren't going to read further anyway. I wouldn't worry about sending exactly fifty pages. And if I felt like those twenty other pages are so good they need to be submitted, I'd have to ask myself if I was starting the story in the right place.

 

[Deleted member 604]

I agree with @Katie-Ellen Hazeldine.
Remember we are selling a product. Which one will leave them wanting to read more?
And yeah always submit at a natural break regarding 50 pages because 3 chapters is just three chapters.
Check your manuscript @Susan and take a look at this - 17 Perfect Ways to End a Chapter • Career Authors

 

[Katie-Ellen]

@Malaika makes excellent points. I'd probably just send the 3 chapters, myself, on the principle of less is more at this stage. Unless the chapters were very short.

But, to clarify a possible reason for sending more if the chapters are short. That they see you can sustain the standard over more of a rising arc.

 

[Susan]

Thanks! I decided to send the first 51.5 pages ...

 

[Katie-Ellen]

Sending more than asked for is one thing I wouldn't do, myself, but it might pay off for you. Best of luck with it.

 

[Deleted member 604]

If they state in their submission guidelines 50 pages then I would, but if they only ask for 3 Chapters, I wouldn’t personally. I’m with @Katie-Ellen Hazeldine on that one. I’ve never submitted more than what is asked.

 

[Katie-Ellen]

It's Susan's call

 

[Deleted member 604]

It's Susan's call

Totally

 

[Susan]

It actually turned out to be 50.5 pages when I looked again. Weirdly, on my Mac it was 49, but longer in Windows. They specified ‘first three chapters or (roughly) 50 pages’ and at least 1.5 spaced (mine is double) so I think it should be fine.

 

[Katie-Ellen]

Sure it will. It's not going to rock any boats is it Fingers crossed!