Isobel Dixon

Submission status: Open
Submission route: Email
Response time: Assume no reply = no after 8 weeks
Last checked: 22 days ago

About

Isobel is MD and Head of Books at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency, representing writers from around the world, including bestsellers and international prize winners.

Her clients' work spans contemporary, historical and literary fiction, crime and thrillers, memoir, biography and narrative history. Isobel was born and educated in South Africa and in Edinburgh, where she completed master's degrees in English literature and applied linguistics.

What they represent

Looking for

contemporary, historical and literary fiction
crime and thrillers
biography and narrative history

Clients include

Estate of Tatamkhulu Afrika
Estate of Gilbert Adair
Sally Andrew
Romalyn Ante
Abdul Rahman Azzam
Sandy Balfour
Tom Benn
Kenny Boyle
Hannah Braithwaite
Karin Brynard
Graeme Macrae Burnet
James Cahill
Edward Carey
Elizabeth Chadwick
Anne de Courcy

Agency submission guidelines

Blake Friedmann accepts submissions across many genres from published and debut authors, but does not represent children's books. Submissions are by email only; paper submissions are not accepted. What to send: An introductory email, a synopsis and a writing sample, sent as Microsoft Word (.doc or.docx) attachments. For non-fiction, an introductory email plus a proposal including a synopsis, chapter plan and sample material. Fiction: A full synopsis of 250-300 words, covering the whole story including the ending. The first three chapters, or the first 10,000 words. Non-fiction: A synopsis of up to 500 words. A chapter plan for the entire work, with each chapter heading followed by a paragraph detailing its content. Two sample chapters, one of which should be the introduction or opening chapter. Total proposal length is often around 10,000 words. Formatting: Attachments should be Word documents, not PDFs or Pages, preferably with 1.5 line spacing and numbered pages. Each attachment should be named with the book title and the writer's name (plus SYNOPSIS or CHAPTERS). Each document should have a first page with book title, name and contact details, and contact details should also appear in the email. If using a pseudonym, include both real name and pseudonym on the sample material and in the email. Covering letter: An opening paragraph introducing the book, its genre and a couple of comparative titles. A one-paragraph blurb. A note on any significant previous publications or writing experience, if relevant. A note on any personal experience relating to the book's subject, if relevant. Who to submit to: Submit to only one agent at Blake Friedmann; agents will pass work to a colleague if they think it more suited elsewhere. Consult individual agent pages to choose the most appropriate agent. Agent email addresses: Isobel Dixon (isobel@blakefriedmann.co.uk), Kate Burke (kate@blakefriedmann.co.uk), Sian Ellis-Martin (sian@blakefriedmann.co.uk), Finlay Charlesworth (finlay@blakefriedmann.co.uk).

Agency AI policy

They do not accept submissions originated, written or edited by Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. This includes use of AI to write your cover letter or synopsis, or to submit your work.

Other agents at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency

Finlay Charlesworth
Blake Friedmann Literary Agency
Finlay is an Associate Agent at Blake Friedmann, building a list of non-fiction and select fiction while assisting Juliet Pickering and Isobel Dixon with their clients. He joined the agency in 2022 after completing an MA in Publishing at University College London. He has worked closely with the Estates of Gilbert Adair, Tatamkhulu Afrika and K. Sello Duiker, helping to secure deals on classics lists in the UK and USA. Finlay was born in Scotland.
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