Behind the Scenes of Literary Agents with Laura B. McGrath (Author of Middlemen) | Ep. 229

Behind the Scenes of Literary Agents with Laura B. McGrath (Author of Middlemen) | Ep. 229

From Sarah's Bookshelves Live by Sarah Dickinson | Sarah's Bookshelves

July 8, 2026 · 1h 2m · Episode 229

About this episode

Sarah talks with Laura B. McGrath about her book Middlemen and the role of literary agents in publishing.

In Episode 229, Sarah talks with Laura B. McGrath about her new book, Middlemen , and the behind-the-scenes role literary agents play in publishing. They discuss what agents actually do, how they shape an author's career, the hype surrounding debut novels, and what Laura learned while researching one of publishing's least visible professions. Plus, Laura shares her book recommendations. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Middlemen by Laura B. McGrath (April 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org Why a literary agent's most important job isn't what most readers think. What agents are really looking for when they decide to represent an author. The surprising amount of homework agents do before signing a new client. The hype surrounding debut novels — and some of the downsides that come with it. Why the publishing industry was initially wary of public book sales data. Laura's Book Recommendations Two OLD Books She Loves Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson (1980) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:12] Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger (1961) | Amazon…

People in this episode

Host: Sarah Dickinson

Guest: Laura B. McGrath

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Middlemen, Housekeeping, Franny and Zooey, Gilead, London Falling, Discipline, Say Nothing

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