I'm currently getting my Manuscript professionally edited. I'm starting to sway more toward self publishing and I'm currently doing my due-diligence. However I think I would get great value from at least hearing what an agent has to say. I've prepared a cover letter which is 500 words, is that too long?
The format goes something like this:-
1) I have completed a novel of 100,000 words...
2) The central concept is...
3) The genre is Science Fiction set in....
4) I think my audience is....
5) The story is about...
6) I enclose the first three chapters...
7) About me...
8) I've chosen you as an agent because...
Leila Dewji - Thanks you thanks help-full. Had a cheeky look at your profile, I will check out your website...
Hi, as an ex-agent, I would say yes 500 words is way too long! You need to be able to sell yourself very succinctly to very busy people. Have you ever tried to do an elevator pitch for your work? It's a useful exercise to strip back the pitch to the bare bones, and then flesh out the most important bits.
Hope that helps :)
I've have a look. Thanks