"Do those manuscripts get read?"

A writing buddy once inserted a paper clip between the pages of a novel manuscript requested by an agent. The idea was that if the manuscript came back with the paperclip still in place, it meant the agent hadn't read that far.

It's certainly understandable to want more information, more control over the publication process. But for your own sake, please don't bother with these kind of tricks. Agents and editors know all about 'em, so you probably won't even get the correct answer. Besides, if you get a decline, whether it got read past page 10 (or whatever) is no longer relevant. Just make sure you have the best submission you can, then send it somewhere else. Onward and upward.

That being said, this is a ridiculous business. You knew that, right? :-) My friend may appreciate this confirmation.