Bernadette Foley, Presenter

Bernadette Foley was publisher of fiction and non-fiction for international publishing house Hachette Australia for 10 years, working with such authors as Di Morrissey, William McInnes, Gabrielle Lord, Graeme Blundell, Kate Ceberano, Bronwyn Parry, Lian Hearn, Pamela Freeman, Troy Cassar-Daley and many more.

She is one of the most connected people in the publishing industry and has worked as an editor and publisher for over 30 years, receiving the George Robertson Award for Service to the Australian Publishing Industry in 2015.

Bernadette has run programs at writers’ centres that have guided many manuscripts to publication.  She has spoken at national writers’ festivals and editing and writing seminars. She also co-created the Graduate Certificate in Editing and Publishing at University of Technology Sydney and teaches the Editing and Publishing unit.

Bernadette teaches What Publishers Want, Novel Writing Essentials and Write Your Novel.

Testimonials about this presenter

”I enjoyed all of the course but found the elevator pitch section extremely helpful. I have read a lot of books and have made lots of attempts but came up with my best pitch for my story so far. Bernadette is obviously very passionate about what she does and has a lot of insider knowledge.”

- Maryann Murphy

“The course was most enjoyable…. Bernadette is a clever teacher the content was great. This was the best publishing seminar I’ve been to – I learnt so much.”

- Lesley Porter

"Bernadette was fantastic. When I told her that I was attending an ASA literary speed dating event later that day she went out of her way to help me refine my pitch and delivery."

- Margaret Rochford

"Bernadette Foley clearly knew her stuff. She presented well, was warm and engaging and gave time to each and every participant."

- Vanessa McKinley

"I found Bernadette to be one of the best presenters I have seen. She not only knew her material but she has a gift as a teacher. Bernadette put me at ease so many times and lifted my spirits with her  encouragement. She created a safe environment and brought out the best in all of us. I came away feeling less scared because she has given me the tools and resources to do the very best I can to get my first book published. Thank you Bernadette."

- Bindu Narula

Presenter for:

What Publishers Want
You’ve written it (or you’re on your way). You’re proud of it. But how can you now get your book in front of the right publisher? And what steps will convince them it's worthy of a book deal?
Write Your Novel: 6-month Program
Want to get from draft to published sooner? Our program puts you on the fast track to success, with valuable critiques and detailed advice.