Got a request for a partial. Tra-la!
Interestingly, it was an agent who requests query letters only (no sample pages at all) in the initial contact.
So naturally, I am now applying Mr. SuperNice's advice to my manuscript at speed.
Which means I won't be getting a meatier post on writing up after all, at least not for a few days. Sorry--but I'm sure you all understand! :-)