does an agent have to read all your manuscript?

[boglach]

If you employ an agent do they read all of your manuscript before deciding if it is publishable? or can they put it on the scrap pile after a couple of chapters?

sorry a bit ignorant about the process!

They usually look at a synopsis and three chapters but you need to check the guidelines for each agent you are considering approaching - look at their website

Unfortunately for us writers, it's the agents who can be picky and choosy about who they represent, rather than the other way round (unless you're Dan Brown, J.K.Rowling or similar...)

But don't worry - someone has to be lucky and get an agent - and if you've written a great book and it lands on the right desk at the right time, it could be you!

The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook is the best starting place - lots of useful info plus listing of agents and their submission guidelines.

Good luck and have fun!

Hi, ninah is definitely right in theory, but in practice agents are like any reader and will only read until they get bored. They won't feel any obligation to finish reading the three chapters or read even as far as the bottom of Page 1 if they don't feel any interest in the story. This is because of the amount of submissions they get - they almost always read new submissions in their 'spare' time not in 9-5 work time, work time is taken up with their existing clients.
(FWIW, am an agented & published writer).

But if you are paying them surely they have to read some of it?

You don't pay them until they take you on and actually sell your work (never pay an agent just to look at your writing!).

They read as much as they feel inclined to, whether that's one page or the whole thing, and they don't have to give you any comments - most give out form rejections.

They can do whatever they want! They don't have to read it at all if they are too busy or don't like the sound of it.

yeah sorry by 'look at' I should have said 'ask to see'
getting an agent is no mean feat, check what they are looking for and submit but be prepared for the long haul!

Boglach, the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook is the thing you need. It explains the process of how agents operate, and exactly how to get one to take you on.

An agent will only offer to represent you if they have read your work and like it, and believe they can represent this type of work effectively. You don't pay them to do this. If anyone is asking you for payment before seeing your work they are a bit dodgy and I would steer clear.

yes, agree that you should never pay an agent just to read your work. Also agree that you need the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook. I think there is a special edition of it targetted at children's writers.