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Lucy Balfour

WME Literary Agency

Submission status
Open
Submission route
Website
Response time
Assume no reply = no after 6 weeks
Last checked
2 days ago

About

Lucy is a literary agent at WME's London office, offering UK representation to clients across the agency.

She joined WME in 2023 after seven years working as a literary scout for an extensive list of international publishers, as well as film and television clients. She is building a list of her own authors.

Genres

Commercial FictionContemporary FictionHealth & WellnessMemoirMiddle GradeOther Non-FictionRomanceThrillerWomen's FictionYoung Adult

Looking for

  • strong hooks, memorable characters and immersive settings
  • an epic love story that completely sweeps her away
  • a juicy thriller with great pacing and a knock-your-socks-off twist
  • reading group/upmarket commercial fiction, including family dramas, thrillers and women's fiction
  • contemporary fiction and thrillers from middle-grade to new adult
  • a brilliant young adult romance
  • non-fiction aimed predominantly at women
  • female-focused health and wellbeing titles
  • parenting books with unique angles
  • anything to do with the outdoors

Agency submission guidelines

Query one WME agent at a time; the team works collaboratively, so if you have not heard back after six weeks you are free to try another agent and to keep them posted on your project. Each agent's preferred query format is below and on their profile page, where the query button sends your submission. Include your bio with every submission. The agency cannot respond to every query, and it does not consider screenplays. WME agents will only ever contact you from a wmeagency.com email address and never ask for payment. Francesca Ali: for fiction, the first three chapters and a synopsis as a Word document. For illustrated projects, a portfolio, sample pages and a full script. For non-fiction, a short overview of the project and up to 10,000 words of sample writing. Kimberley Atkins: for fiction, a covering letter, synopsis and the first three chapters or fifty pages. For non-fiction, a covering letter, a full outline setting out the aims of each chapter and, if possible, a sample chapter. Put your full name and the title of your work in the email subject line. Fiona Baird: for fiction and completed works of non-fiction, a query letter, synopsis and the first three chapters. For non-fiction on proposal, a query letter and the full proposal. Lucy Balfour: for fiction, a query letter, synopsis and the first three chapters or fifty pages. For non-fiction, a query letter and a proposal including a full outline and chapter breakdown. Suzannah Ball: for fiction, the first three chapters as a Word document and a synopsis; only submit once your manuscript is complete. For non-fiction, a short overview of the project and up to 10,000 words of sample writing. Florence Dodd: for all projects, a synopsis, an outline and up to ten sample pages as a Word document. Matilda Forbes Watson: for fiction, a covering letter, synopsis and the first three chapters or fifty pages. For non-fiction, a covering letter, a full outline and, if possible, a sample chapter. Karolina Kaim: non-fiction only. A short overview of the project and up to 10,000 words of sample writing as a Word document; the proposal should include a working title, an elevator pitch and an outline of contents. For platform-led projects, include an overview of relevant statistics. James Munro: for fiction, a query letter and the first ten pages in the body of the email. For non-fiction, a query letter with the full proposal or manuscript attached. Hellie Ogden: for fiction, a covering letter, synopsis and the first three chapters or fifty pages. For non-fiction, a covering letter, a full outline setting out the aims of each chapter and, if possible, a sample chapter. Put your full name and the title of your work in the email subject line.

Links

Other agents at WME Literary Agency