Following the advice on my email to an interested agent, I have decided to submit this novel to more agents.

The agent requirements are all similar, three chapters and a synopsis with a few asking for 50 pages.

My problem here is that the two main voices of the novel run in separate but entwined strands i.e. four chapters from a father, three from a daughter, three from a father, three from a daughter.

I would like the agent to see both voices as they are very different, should I just send two chapters of each and explain, or stick to the three opening chapters formula requested, even though this will contain just the father's voice?

Thank you in anticipation for any responses.

Oh, it's always tricky. The covering letter and synopsis should make it clear that it's obvious that two voices are used, but that's not the same thing. They really do want to see the opening straight through, as that's how it'll read.

If they want chapters, if it were me, I'd combine the father's chapters into two, then have one (or two-into-one) of the daughter.

Not quite so easy with the 50pp, although could you juggle things to get as far as the daughter with one-and-a-half spacing?

Emma

Maybe shuffle the chapters. Quite a lot of novels with dual narratives use alternating pov chapters, eg, Nick Hornby's About A Boy.

Also chapter length is an arbitary measurement. If you currently have one scene per chapter (making it a short chapter) then maybe consider having two, or two and a half, scenes of the father's pov in one chapter, then in the next chapter switch to the daughter's pov and again have 2 or so scenes.

How many pages does it take you to get to the daughter? If it's less than 60 or 70, to be honest I'd send a bit extra. If they are liking it enough to get to page 50, they'll get bit further. Otherwise, yes, maybe play around with structure and/or spacing.

Thank you for all the advice, I hadn't thought of combining the chapters.

I've combined the first four father's chapters into two, and the daughter's whole section into one. It's 24k or 77 pages to the end of chapter three, which would have been chapter seven! That reduces to 58 pages 1.5 spacing.

I think I must send all the father's piece as otherwise it won't be clear why we are seeing the daughter's POV.

I think I will send it like that, although it does seem a lot. Maybe if they like it they will read it all!

Thanks again.

it does seem a lot.

When I was submitting to agents my first three chapters added up to nearly 100 pages. No one rejected it on the grounds of length...

Emma