Mentioning full MS request in query letter

[BecauseOfIndia]

I'm diving back in big time to querying and have been including the fact that my full MS is with an agent at the end of the query letter. It says this:

'Out of courtesy I should let you know that the full MS of *** is currently being read by another agent. However, I do hope that you enjoy reading the opening chapters and I look forward to hearing from you.'

Does this sound odd?

Also, I'm wondering if it will be overlooked as it's at the end of the letter. Several agents I've queried state in their email receipt that they want to be told if you've had a request for a full. I'm wondering if it might be more impactful if I leave it out of the letter and then contact them a few days later to say I've got a request for a full??

I want to milk it as much as possible as the last time I had a full request the agent asked for exclusivity (which I regret agreeing to!!!).

Yes, I would write to them in the normal way and then perhaps on Monday write and say you've had a request for a full and you want to keep them informed. In my experience (published author) nothing gets them moving faster than someone else reading your book!

I'd keep it in your covering letter - I think it shows that you're not playing games and hopefully will make the agents more likely to look at your submission. Good luck.

Help! Two contradictory answers!

I think my worry is that maybe agents just scan the query letter when it comes in and then either delete it right away (if the writing is awful) or put it in a pile to look at later if it looks promising.

I'm worried the fact that I have a full out is somewhat buried at the end, and they not even read the letters in full, who knows! I think I will try leaving it off and seeing if it's more effective. I haven't had any response from the agents I sent to last week so it hasn't prompted them at all!!

I’m with @everythingcrossed, I’d keep it in the cover letter but would go back and notify any other agents who have the initial submission in a separate email. If you mention it in your cover letter to start with, then if you get any other full requests you can go back and email those agents about the new full request(s). Hope you get some good news soon @BecauseOfIndia