Lucy Balfour

Lucy joined WME in 2023 after seven years working as a literary scout on behalf of an extensive list of international publishers, as well as film and television clients. Based out of WME’s London office, she offers UK representation to clients across the agency and is building a list of her own authors.

“I’m on the lookout for strong hooks, memorable characters and immersive settings. I would love to find an epic love story that completely sweeps me away, and a juicy thriller with great pacing and a knock-your-socks-off twist. My favourite authors include Taylor Jenkins Reid, Madeline Miller and Maggie O’Farrell. In the crime thriller space, I adore Jane Harper, Tana French and Chris Whitaker.

I’m a big fan of non-fiction aimed predominantly at women, such as Natasha Lunn’s CONVERSATIONS ON LOVE and FRIENDAHOLIC by Elizabeth Day, as well as health and wellbeing titles like Hazel Wallace’s THE FEMALE FACTOR.

On the children’s side, I am looking for contemporary fiction and thrillers from middle-grade to new adult, and would particularly love to find a brilliant YA romance.

Recent books I have devoured include CARELESS PEOPLE, THE NAMES, WILD DARK SHORE and YESTERYEAR. ”

Lucy reads across all areas of fiction but is particularly looking for reading group/upmarket commercial fiction, including family dramas, thrillers and women’s fiction. In non-fiction, she’s drawn to female-focused health and wellbeing titles, parenting books with unique angles and anything to do with the outdoors.

“I moved into the agenting world because I wanted to be closely involved with an author’s journey. WME is an extremely collaborative agency with reach into other media industries; we can offer so much in terms of career opportunity, be it film/TV, podcasts, speaking events and merchandising. It’s a really exciting place for a debut author."

For fiction queries, please include your query letter, a synopsis and the first three chapters – or 50 pages – of your manuscript.

For non-fiction, please include your query letter and a proposal, including a full outline and chapter breakdown.