Andrew Stephens has been named as the new Director of Programming at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. This is a significant change in leadership at one of the major literary festivals in the UK. Stephens will replace Tamara Zimet, who has gone back to Australia to be the Artistic Director of the Sydney Writers' Festival.

This announcement was made on November 11, 2026, at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, which is planning its programme of literary events and author discussions.

Festival Programming New Leadership

Stephens will have the job of curating the programme of the festival, involving writers, thinkers and cultural figures from Scotland and beyond.

The job includes organising literary events, spotting young authors and new trends in literature, working with publishers and other literary bodies and providing platforms for the audience to connect with literature of the contemporary era.

In addition, the job also involves growing the festival's influence and linking established literary figures to a new and diverse audience.

Reinvigorating Edinburgh’s International Literary Platform

Established over four decades ago, the Edinburgh International Book Festival has provided an international platform for writers, readers and thinkers around the globe. The festival has a range of programs that include author talks, literary debates and other events discussing current social and cultural topics.

Additionally, the organization conducts year-round community and education projects, which include projects involving interactions of authors and artists with children, libraries and communities.

Under Stephens’ leadership, the organization will continue its work of creating an international literary platform, and at the same time engage Scottish and international audiences more effectively.