Kate Novak was born around 1959. Details of her early life are scarce, but it's understood she cultivated a love for reading and storytelling from a young age, which would later significantly influence her professional trajectory.

A pivotal moment in Kate Novak's life was meeting Jeff Grubb. Together, they joined TSR, Inc., the company behind Dungeons & Dragons. This marked the beginning of their professional writing careers and a significant shift into the realm of fantasy literature.

Kate Novak, alongside Jeff Grubb, played a crucial role in expanding the Dragonlance universe through the "Dragonlance Legends" trilogy. These books, "Time of the Twins", "War of the Twins", and "Test of the Twins", delved into the complex character of Raistlin Majere and the intricacies of Krynn's history, significantly enriching the existing lore. Her contribution was vital in exploring the emotional and psychological depths of the characters.

Novak and Grubb expanded their creative partnership into the Forgotten Realms setting, contributing to world-building and novel writing. They played a significant role in defining the characterization and history of key areas. She notably contributed to the creation and development of characters and storylines within the Realms.

Throughout the 1990s, Kate Novak continued to collaborate with Jeff Grubb on various fantasy projects while also pursuing independent writing endeavors. This period marked a diversification of her skills and experience within the publishing industry.

Following the decline of TSR, Kate Novak transitioned into freelance writing and game development work. This involved contributing to various projects across different media, leveraging her expertise in world-building and storytelling.

Kate Novak has maintained a presence in the fantasy and gaming communities, participating in conventions, contributing to projects, and engaging with fans. While specific recent works may be less prominent, her legacy as a foundational figure in shared world fantasy endures.