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Agent profile summary

Represents
crime fictionthriller fictioncontemporary fictionhistorical fictionwomen's fiction
Looking for
Kate Burke seeks dark thrillers with surprising plot twists and interesting narrative structures, crime series featuring fresh lead investigators, and high-concept thrillers with 'what if?' premises that comment on society. She represents historical fiction combining strong sense of place and time with mystery elements, particularly post-1800 settings, and has special interest in Gothic, atmospheric historical thrillers set in spooky old houses. Burke also looks for contemporary novels with discussable issues suitable for book club debates and sweeping family stories about mothers, sisters and daughters set anywhere in the world.
How to submit
Email kate@blakefriedmann.co.uk with your cover letter as the body of the email and the book title and your name in the subject line. Attach a synopsis (250–300 words for fiction, up to 500 words for non-fiction) and the first three chapters or first 10,000 words as Word documents (.doc or .docx) with 1.5 line spacing and numbered pages. Name each attachment with the book title and your name. Do not send PDFs, Pages files, or external links such as Google Docs. Submit to one agent only.
Last checked 17 Jun 2026·Last verified: 17 Jun 2026

Kate Burke is a literary agent at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency based in UK. Their list focuses on genres including crime fiction, thriller fiction, and contemporary fiction. Currently open to submissions, with responses usually within 8 weeks. Submissions via Email. For current guidelines, check the agent's own submission page linked below.

Age Categories

Adult

Response Time

Usually responds within 8 weeks

Notes

Blake Friedmann does not represent children's books. The agency has a strong commitment to diversity through its Carole Blake Open Doors Project. Submissions generated or edited using AI technology are explicitly not accepted, including AI-written cover letters or synopses.

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This profile was last verified on 17 Jun 2026. PairPi tracks UK literary agents' submission guidelines against their own websites. If you spot something wrong, please email hello@pairpi.com.