Born Anna Szigethy in World War II Budapest, Anna Porter and her mother left Hungary in 1956 to escape the increasing Soviet presence. They joined relatives in New Zealand where she continued her education and first encountered the work of Canadian writers such as Margaret Laurence and Leonard Cohen. After completing her M.A. degree at the University of Canterbury, she worked in a New Zealand bookstore. A trip to Europe led to a proofreading job with Cassell's in England. That was followed by a sales position with Collier Macmillan and an eventual transfer to Toronto in an editorial position.

She joined McClelland & Stewart in 1969 as editorial coordinator. A series of rapid promotions to managing, executive editor, editorial director followed, culminating with the position of president and publisher of Seal Books, a paperback publishing house co-owned by McClelland and Bantam Books. Working closely with Jack McClelland, whom she regards as the guru of Canadian publishing, gave Porter the chance to observe the style of a publisher known for working with authors as opposed to books. In 1982, she left Seal to join Michael de Pencier to establish Key Porter Books where she continues as the publisher and chief executive officer. The company is noted for its concentration on non-fiction. In 1986, she purchased a controlling interest in Doubleday Canada and in 1987 bought out Jack McClelland's 75-per-cent interest in Seal Books.

Memberships on various boards and in professional organizations also occupy Ms. Porter's energy. In addition to publishing, she has found time to write, having authored three mystery novels, all set in the publishing world that she knows so well. In recognition of her varied achievements, Ms. Porter was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1992.