# Why Literary Agents Matter with Laura McGrath

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/book-riot-the-podcast-414025/why-literary-agents-matter-with-laura-mcgrath
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/book-riot-the-podcast-414025/why-literary-agents-matter-with-laura-mcgrath.md
Podcast: [Book Riot - The Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/book-riot-the-podcast-414025)
Published: 2026-04-29T10:15:00+00:00
Episode link: https://bookriot.com/listen/why-literary-agents-matter-with-laura-mcgrath/
Audio file: https://tracking.swap.fm/track/YfZO4tERxneauNcW9Fgn/mgln.ai/e/211/traffic.megaphone.fm/ARML2362452779.mp3?updated=1777412475
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/book-riot-the-podcast-414025/episodes/why-literary-agents-matter-with-laura-mcgrath
Duration seconds: 2878

## Resource

Prof. Laura McGrath joins Jeff to talk about her new book, Middlemen: Literary Agents and the Making of American Fiction. Literary agents try to stay out of the spotlight, but they shape what you read. We talk about why agents came into being, how they have developed over time, and how American fiction wouldn't be the same without them. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Join The Book Riot Podcast Patreon for bonus content and ad-free listening. Subscribe to The Book Riot Newsletter for regular updates to get the most out of your reading life. The Book Riot Podcast is a proud member of the Airwave Podcast Network. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Use code THEBOOKS for 20% off at Cozy Earth. Go to quince.com/bookriot for free shipping and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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## Transcript

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