Since graduating from the University of Aberdeen in 1980 with an MA in English, Dr Jenny Brown has gone on to enjoy a hugely successful and distinguished career in the world of Scottish literature, breaking boundaries and receiving an honorary degree from the University and an OBE along the way.
Over many years, Jenny has worked tirelessly to promote literary life in Scotland. In 2002, she took her commitment to literature in a new direction and formed Jenny Brown Associates. The company quickly became the biggest literary agency in Scotland and saw her shortlisted in both 2014 and 2020 for the Agent of the Year Award.
Before establishing her own business, Jenny was founding Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival in 1983. The Book Festival has grown into an internationally renowned event and a key part of the wider Edinburgh Festival. Since day one it has represented the best example of what a literary festival should be and has inspired the creation of many other celebrations of literature throughout the country. She then went on to become Head of Literature at the Scottish Arts Council and a presenter of book programmes for Scottish Television.
While building up her company, Jenny has continued to champion Scottish literature and writers in many other ways, including becoming Company Secretary to Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature in 2004 and acting as Chair of the Bloody Scotland crime writing festival from 2011 until 2021.
Throughout her career, Jenny has broken several boundaries, supported countless writers and introduced readers of all ages throughout Scotland to the wealth of the nation’s literary talent. For her contribution and services to literature, she was awarded an honorary DLitt from the University of Aberdeen in 2017 and from the University of St Andrews in 2018, made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2021, awarded an honorary DUniv from Edinburgh Napier University in 2023, and bestowed with an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List in 2024.
