Dan Franklin, associate publisher at Jonathan Cape, will retire after 26 years at the Vintage imprint, the Bookseller reported. Although his retirement is effective October 31, he will continue to oversee the Jonathan Cape graphic novels list on a freelance basis. Franklin joined Cape in 1993 as publishing director and became publisher across Vintage imprints in 2003. Michal Shavit took over as publishing director when Franklin went part-time in 2016 as associate publisher.
"From when I was a teenager, avidly reading novels borrowed from my local library, I knew that Cape was the best list," said Franklin. "It has been a tremendous privilege to be Cape's publisher, and the last 26 years have been wonderful fun, with marvellous authors and fantastic colleagues. But now I've passed 70, and it's definitely time for a rest."
Shavit added: "For the last quarter of a century Dan has dedicated his life to the authors and to the books that have made Cape what it is today. He is an inspiring publisher; voraciously curious, visionary, instinctive, fiercely passionate and always kind and funny. He has been the greatest of champions for his authors, a fabulous colleague, mentor and friend to so many. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude--he's a true living legend."