Matilda Forbes Watson

WME Literary Agency

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

About

Matilda is a Partner and Co-Head of the UK Book division at WME, representing a diverse list of bestselling adult fiction and non-fiction.

She joined WME in 2013 and enjoys working with debut authors in the early stages of developing a project, as well as writers with established careers. She supports authors from submission through to publication, connecting them with the specialists and resources available at WME.

Looking for

  • extraordinary untold stories, big ideas, smart thinking, investigative journalism, and agenda-setting books
  • proposals by professionals, experts, or writers with a platform, which explore how we live and how we might live better, offering the reader understanding and practical suggestions to implement change, with examples including ATOMIC HABITS, LET THEM as well as books in the vein of MATING IN CAPTIVITY, WHY WE SLEEP or FOUR THOUSAND WEEKS, which zoom in on a universal part of life with a unique perspective
  • standout UK voices writing for readers of Glennon Doyle, Gabor Mate or Brené Brown who address how we feel
  • brave, unapologetic, intimate stories like THREE WOMEN, anything by Elizabeth Gilbert or Jennette McCurdy's I'M GLAD MY MOM DIED
  • voice or character-driven novels set in the real world, with high emotional stakes and a strong hook
  • loves Meg Wolitzer, Curtis Sittenfeld, Sally Rooney, Miranda July and Gwendoline Riley

Clients include

  • Dr Annie Zimmerman
  • Dr Emily Leeming
  • Dr Rayyan Zafar
  • Akala
  • Ben Francis
  • Judy Blume
  • Tina Brown
  • Laura Dave
  • Jhumpa Lahiri
  • Amor Towles
  • Dave Grohl
  • Quentin Tarantino

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.

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