Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.

Longing can lead us to unexpected places. In this intimate conversation, literary agent–turned–debut author Samantha Browning Shea unpacks the themes behind her novel Marrow—from fertility and “wellness” culture to coming home, belonging, and the power (and danger) of wanting something deeply.

We also go behind the scenes of agent life: what submissions actually look like, how editorial advocacy works after a book sells, and why your author–agent relationship matters just as much as your editor. Samantha closes with thoughtful book recs if you loved the emotional core of Marrow.

📚 Books Mentioned

Marrow by Samantha Browning Shea — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Audio ✅

Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy — Buy on Amazon | Literary, Climate | Audio ✅

Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy — Buy on Amazon | Literary, Eco-Thriller | Audio ✅

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy — Buy on Amazon | Literary Suspense | Audio ✅

The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett — Buy on Amazon | Upmarket/Literary | Audio ✅

House of Beth by Kerry Cullen— Buy on Amazon | Literary/Upmarket | Audio ✅

A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majumdar — Buy on Amazon | Speculative/Upmarket | Audio ✅

The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan — Buy on Amazon | Dystopian/Upmarket | Audio ✅

⏱️ Time Stamps

[00:00 – 01:10 ] Meet Samantha Browning Shea & the Marrow elevator pitch.

[01:10 – 06:30 ] Longing, belonging, and the messy math of wanting a life.

[03:30 – 08:30 ] Infertility, wellness culture, and predatory “solutions.”

[07:30 – 10:30 ] Groupthink, cult dynamics, and influencer authority.

[10:30 – 12:30 ] From abandoned projects to writing Marrow in the pandemic.

[12:30 – 18:30 ] Agent life 101: editorial work, freedom, and building lists.

[16:00 – 18:30 ] What “on submission” really means.

[19:00 – 23:30 ] How much reading agents do (and the advocacy after a deal).

[24:00 – 26:30 ] Samantha’s reading recs if you loved Marrow.

[26:30 – end] Where to find Samantha online + outro.

Join the Conversation

Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)

Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read Next

Subscribe & leave a review!

Mentioned in this episode:

🎧 Try Audible Today
I love Audible for their original novellas, binge-worthy Plus Catalog (like Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series), and their amazing audiobook sales. Currently, Audible is offering a special promotion for new members and returning listeners.

Audible

Advertise with Us

Do you have a book or service that you want to share with our engaged audience? Check out our opportunities to sponsor with us.

Advertise With Us