Michael Alcock is stepping down from Johnson & Alcock after a long, illustrious career in the industry.
He says: “After 55 years in book publishing, starting at OUP in 1970, and then as non-fiction editor at Macmillan, Aurum, Boxtree, then back to Macmillan, in 1997 I ventured into the more speculative world of literary agency. With a staff of just two Michael Alcock Management grew; then in partnership with Andrew Hewson of the long-established agency John Johnson (admired for its list of some of Britain’s greatest and most enduring fiction and non-fiction writers) the two agencies merged as Johnson & Alcock in 2003.
The J&A team has been for me just the happiest to work alongside. Our MD Anna Power started as my assistant back in 2002, and since then other wonderful colleagues have joined, all full of empathy and publishing acumen. And with them I have so enjoyed serving our wonderful, engaging clients, and working in tune with their publishers.
Now, is the time for me (being of an age) to step down from the agency ─ and I know I will continue to admire both our team and our authors, from the side.”
Anna Power writes: “Michael has been at the heart of Johnson & Alcock for 23 years, leading and inspiring all those who have been lucky to work with him. His calm and reassuring manner, along with his wit, erudition and elegance have helped make the agency a very happy home for his authors, and his colleagues. He has been an outstanding agent, from early successes looking after household names like Lynne Robinson and Joanna Hall to working with eminent academics like Sue Black, Arik Kershenbaum and Adrian Woolfson as well as national treasures like David Suchet. Working alongside Michael has been a real privilege, and so much fun, too. He has been a wonderful mentor, colleague and friend to many.”