I think you're right Livi, about agents not having the time, and because such writing is different from novel writing, the same as writing non-fiction and journalism is different from writing Fiction. Also some UK agents see uploads of chapters from one's novel as self-publishing. It's different in the US where there is growing importance in having an 'author's platform' which includes media exposure via blogging, tweeting, facebook, etc, and where the submission process involves Queries so it's useful to have somewhere to park examples of one's work for an agent to look at. But in the Uk, where the submission includes the first 3 chapters, that's unnecessary.

- NaomiM

I know I go on about this, but it's very important to shake the mind-set of trying to please an agent; of trying to convince them to take you. Whatever an agent themselves might believe about the importance of agents in the chain, the fact is they are or will be your employee. Therefore, your cover letter/CV needs to contain an atmosphere of leadership from you, about your career. In which case, there's little point in worrying about what an agent might find interesting. Keep it brief and punchy, including whatever you believe bests illustrates your vision of what you want from your career. In this respect, it's different to submitting to a publisher. Then, you're asking them to invest in your project, in which case a certain degree of showing them you're willing to adapt to their business needs is only reasonable. But to repeat, an agent is paid by you, so you need to show that while you are temporarily in the position of asking them for a favour, eventually you will be leading the relationship.

Terry

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The only reason agents are so prescriptive about what they want to see from writers is because writers rarely take the initiative. If you do, believe me, any decent agent will respond very positively.