Kate Burke An agent with Blake Friedmann Literary Agency (see other agents at this agency). About Before becoming an agent, I was an editor for ten years, publishing fiction at Penguin, HarperCollins and Random House. Over the past ten years as an agent, I have built up a wide-ranging list of prize-winning and bestselling crime and thriller writers, and authors of contemporary and historical women’s fiction, and I’m currently open to submissions.With my background as an editor, I take a hands-on approach to working with authors on their manuscripts, editing and developing their work, with a view to developing long-term writing careers. This agent may not respond to all queries. After waiting 56 days, assume your submission will not be accepted. Country & Year Established United Kingdom Agent since 2012 Professional Associations Member of AAA AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Fiction Open My list is made up of everything I like to read – gripping fiction featuring characters you can’t get enough of and whom you don’t want to part with at the end of a novel. I love dark stories but also uplifting love stories, too, and I’m keen to find more stories set in unusual or far-flung places. I love to learn more about a place and its inhabitants as I think fiction is all about escapism!In terms of what I’m looking for: on the crime side, I love dark thrillers that keep me turning the page long into the night and that surprise me with plot twists and interesting narrative structures; crime series featuring new and fresh lead investigators; high-concept thrillers (contemporary or historical) that have a ‘what if?’ plot structure and say something about our society now or then.On the historical fiction side, I love stories which combine a great sense of place and time (ideally, post-1800, please) with a mystery. I’m also a huge fan of anything set in a spooky old house so Gothic, atmospheric historical thrillers are also top of my wishlist!Contemporary-wise, I love novels which have a discussable issue at their heart – and could work well for a heated book club discussion – as well as sweeping family stories about mothers, sisters and daughters (set anywhere in the world).In case it’s helpful to know what I don’t represent: non-fiction, children’s and young adult books, science fiction, fantasy, spy, conspiracy or political thrillers.Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: Open to all/most Genres, including: General Open to all/most Subgenres, including: Cross-Genre, Historical, Women's Fiction Mystery/Crime Open to all/most Subgenres, including: Crime, Historical Suspense/Thriller Open to all/most Subgenres, including: HistoricalLengths: NovelStyles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary, Mainstream.Topics: Open to all/most Topics including... History: History by epoch, See guidelines.Submissions:Method: Email. Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to agent's webpage Report: Submission/Query Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Facebook FacebookInstagram @blakefriedmannliteraryagencyThreads @blakefriedmannliteraryagencyX (Twitter) @BlakeFriedmann For the Agent: Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Agent Impersonation Scams are becoming commonplace.A legitimate agent will not contact you and request money to represent you. Never pay an agent an up-front fee. That is not how literary agent representation works. Agents earn a commission only after they've landed a publishing deal for you. Also, agents scarcely ever contact writers. If an agent that you haven't queried contacts you about representation, be suspicious. Look up the agent and check if the email address is correct for that agent/agency. Kate Burke Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the agency or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. Filter: Category: Group by submission Include outliers Include other agents at the same agency Accuracy We have received 2 reports from 2 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Pending 2 responses are pending (28 min | 139.0 mean avg | 139.0 median | 250 max days waiting | 157.0 std dev) from 2 different members This only includes pending reports from people who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information The agent will try to make a decision within 56 days. This agent may not respond to all queries. After waiting the time indicated above, assume your submission will not be accepted. Most recent response reported was received on 19 Jun 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 30 Apr 2026. Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 03:50 UTC (6 hours, 18 minutes ago). Work submitted to this agent was also submitted to...This section is available to subscribers only. Sign up and start your free trial today!Members accepted by this agent also had work accepted by...This section is available to subscribers only. Become a member and start your free trial today! Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Other Agents at this AgencyIsobel DixonSian Ellis-MartinJulian Friedman CLOSEDSamuel Hodder CLOSEDJuliet PickeringTom Witcomb DNQ Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the agent or agency being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the agent/agency meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the agency/agent.Unless the agency's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.For agency submissions, it is standard to submit a query letter and sample instead of the full manuscript. Do this unless otherwise instructed.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 15 Aug 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only