Agent submissions question

[Dontrocktheboat]

About to begin the thankless task of submitting to agents. This is my second time around - I was lucky to get an agent for my first novel but it didn't sell, and ultimately I was dropped. So I am entering the process with much more cynicism and wariness.
Looking at some submission guidelines, and noticed that one agency I am interested in submitting to asks for first 50 pages / usually 3 chapters. The first fifty pages of mine (double spaced, 12 font) would be 4 or 5 chapters - I feel this would be better to submit as I have a dual timeline which alternates, so it would give more sense of this. But don't know if this would seem excessive/ entitled? (Given it does say 50 pages but I've always thought of 3 chapters as standard - I don't think my chapters are especially short either).
Really want to get things right this time so advice would be appreciated - also would be good to hear from anyone else going through this soul destroying process!

I also write dual timeline and I'd send the 50 pages because a) they get a better taste of your writing style and b) as you say, you need to have both timelines represented. When I was querying I always made sure that at least my first two chapters were included so some of each protagonist.

Good luck!

If they suggest 50 pages then it's fine to send that much. I wouldn't overthink it - if they like it they'll keep reading; if not they'll probably stop before 50 pages. I've noticed lots of agencies these days ask for 50pp rather than 3 chapters - it makes sense as chapter lengths can be so variable. Good luck!

Thanks both, that's really helpful - yes, I thought it would give a much better sense of the different perspectives if could send the 50 pages, so will do if that's what is stated. I'm sure whether it's 3 chapters or 50 pages they won't keep reading unless interested anyway!