Books Department
Most publishers and many agencies no longer accept unsolicited submissions. We continue to do so, but do bear with us as we must give first priority to the clients we already represent.Owing to the enormous and increasing volume of submissions that we receive daily and the administration involved, we cannot guarantee a reply. If you do not receive a response 8 weeks from the date of your submission, it can generally be assumed that we are not interested in taking matters further.
We no longer insist on single exclusive submissions, but do let us know if another agent is interested. We will give your manuscript consideration as soon as possible. Please note that if we are able to respond, we are not able to give editorial feedback or detailed reasons as to why a project is not suitable for the agency. There are editorial consultancies you can approach to help you on this front.
Please be advised that we receive over 6,000 unsolicited submissions a year, and take on a very small selection of new clients. While we do consider new work, it can take 8 weeks and sometimes more for us to respond to submissions, especially at busy times like the London and Frankfurt Book Fairs in April and October, and when the office is closed over the Christmas break and we cannot guarantee a response if it is not for us.
We do not handle poetry, straight genre science fiction and fantasy, or children's picture books.
If you would like to submit your work to the agency please send in the following, by email to the relevant agent. The format is [agent's first name]@blakefriedmann.co.uk. Please don't send to more than one at once, we will pass on to another agent if we feel it more appropriate. We strongly prefer email to post (and so does the planet).
Please make sure to preface the subject line of your emails with 'SUBMISSION', in BLOCK CAPITALS.
- An introductory letter - this should be dated and include your email address, postal address, telephone number and email contact details. If emailing, include your covering information in the body of your email. Where appropriate you should mention any previous publications or writing experience. If you have experience that relates directly to the subject of the book this should be mentioned succinctly. If you have been referred to Blake Friedmann by a trade or personal contact please make this clear in your letter. If you have had previous correspondence with one of our agents, please include details with your submission.
- A synopsis of the whole work - this must be included or we will not be able to consider the submission. In one to no more than 3 pages, the synopsis should list the theme, setting, characters, and plot of your book, from the first to final chapter, including the resolution of the story, and should not merely be a cover-style 'teaser' for your story.
- The first three chapters of the work only. Do not include random chapters, or the full manuscript. We will ask to see the rest of the work if the initial material impresses our agents.
- Presentation of your material: Material submitted should have wide margins and at least 1.5 line spacing, with all pages clearly numbered - this applies to attachments too. If you are using a pseudonym, make sure that your real name and your pseudonym are both on the manuscript, as well as on your letter. Put your name and contact details on the front of the manuscript, as well as on your covering letter i.e. on any attachment so that the information is there if it is printed out or transferred to eReader.
- If you are submitting by post include either an envelope with stamps (or International Coupons if submitting from abroad) sufficient for return of the material in the event that we decide not to offer representation, or, preferably an email address for reply, without need for return of material, the option we strongly prefer. Alternatively you can enclose a self-addressed envelope for a letter reply only; or simply state in your submission letter that you do not need to have the material returned. Please note that if you do not include return postage and/or permission to dispose of your material, permission for disposal will be assumed.
If you want to be sure that your postal submission has arrived safely please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard which we will return to you when we receive your material.
Every writer who submits work must keep a copy of the material themselves. We accept no liability for work lost in the post.
You should address postal submission packages to:
The Submissions Department
Blake Friedmann Literary Agency
Second Floor
122 Arlington Road
London, NW1 7HP
Film and TV Department
The Film & Television Department have an open submission policy, although at present we are primarily interested in writers who have a track record in film, television, stage or radio, (though this does not necessarily have to be in the form of produced credits). We are also interested in writers who may have had previous experience in the film/television industry in a related field, ie producers/script editors. We will only consider established directors.
We rarely accept scripts relating to science fiction or fantasy unless submitted by writers with substantial credits. We do not represent ideas for game shows, reality or entertainment television formats. We only represent the film rights in books by our existing clients.
If you would like to be considered for representation please write to filmsubmissions@blakefriedmann.co.uk. We prefer submissions by email, though you can also send them by post, clearly marked as a film submission and with a stamped addressed envelope sufficient for return. We can take no responsibility for material that may be lost in the post.
Your submission should include:
a) a covering letter,
b) your writing CV,
c) a short synopsis or description of the script you wish to submit,
d) one sample script of a completed feature-length film, or TV episode.
Printed screenplays should be bound simply, with your name and contact details on the front. Emailed screenplays should be a PDF, Word or Rich Text attachment. All the agents work together closely and share information, so please only submit your work to one of us at a time.
Please note that the department is very small and we are extremely limited as to the number of new clients we can take on. We receive a large number of submissions so it may take up to 12 weeks before we are able to review your material. We do not have the time or resources to acknowledge receipt of every submission, please do not chase for a response until 8 weeks have elapsed from the date of your submission.
Due to the volume of submissions we are unable to write individual letters, nor can we offer feedback or editorial comment. Although we do our best to respond to every submission, we cannot absolutely guarantee a reply.