How to Get a Literary Agent in 2025 (From Someone Who’s Been One for 15 Years)

“What does a literary agent actually do?” If you’ve ever dreamed of publishing a book, you’ve probably asked this question. Samantha Browning Shea—literary agent and debut author of Marrow—gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of agenting, submissions, and why choosing the right agent matters.

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What Does a Literary Agent Do?

At its heart, an agent’s job is advocacy. They champion authors, negotiate contracts, review royalties, and provide editorial feedback before a manuscript ever reaches an editor’s desk. While publishers and editors may change throughout an author’s career, the author–agent relationship often remains the most consistent and long-lasting.

Trust and open communication are key. A good agent is not just a salesperson but a partner in a writer’s career.

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What “On Submission” Really Means

The submission process can sound mysterious, but Samantha broke it down:

• Manuscript prep: polishing and revising until the book is the best it can be.
  
• Building a submission list: targeting editors and imprints most likely to connect with the project.
  
• Pitching: crafting an editorial pitch that frames the book in the strongest way possible.
  
• Waiting: sometimes days, sometimes months, before hearing back.
  

It’s a mix of strategy, patience, and persistence.

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Life as an Agent

Despite the myth that agents spend their days reading, most of Samantha’s time is spent on:

• Contracts and royalty statements
  
• Calls and emails with authors
  
• Advocacy in publicity and marketing after a book sells
  
• Editorial work with clients on new projects
  

She estimates she reads about 50–100 pages a day, but most of it is deep, editorial reading—not pleasure reading.

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Choosing the Right Agent for You

Samantha emphasized that beyond a strong track record, authors should look for:

• Responsiveness and communication
  
• A “vibe” or sense of trust with the agent
  
• Someone who will advocate even after the deal is signed
  
• Transparency about how they work and how often they’ll be in touch
  

Red flags? Long delays in communication, unresponsiveness, or an agent who delegates all feedback to assistants.

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From Agent to Author

After years of advocating for others, Samantha wrote her debut Marrow. That dual perspective—knowing the challenges of both sides—shapes her work with clients and informs her own writing life.

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Conclusion

Literary agents are often the unsung heroes of publishing, working tirelessly behind the scenes to shepherd stories into the world. Thanks to Samantha Browning Shea’s candid insights, we now have a clearer picture of what the role entails and why the agent–author partnership is so vital.

👉 Curious to learn more? Listen to the full podcast conversation and don’t forget to check out Samantha’s debut Marrow.