No, JK Rowling had no kind of "in" as you put it - she was a complete unknown. I think the reason the above authors had previous contacts was due to the fact they were journalists etc before they turned to fiction, and so had a solid grounding to begin with. Speaking as children's author who had just signed a contract with an agent, I don' t think this is any reason to be discouraged... just be persistent!!!!

Nigel, Belfast, Northern Ireland

It's significant that two out of five of your quoted authors got their publishing break through knowing someone in the business - even J.K. herself had some kind of "in" I believe. Like the music business, it seems still to be a case of who you know rather than your talent that can open the important doors. Does any other aspiring author agree or I am becoming more sceptical with every returned manuscript or agent that requests a small fortune up front (to cover expenses!) before they take you on?

Martin Manley, Newcastle, County Down

I'd recommend the Open University course called Creative Writing (A215 - http://www.open.ac.uk/Arts/a215/faq.htm), I took this course a couple of years ago, not only was it one of the most interesting course I've undertaken, but it gives a very good foundation for any budding author.

Darren, Sevenoaks, UK

Hello, I have self-published 3 books so far in a series for children. Although I had the wonderful creations of an illustrator, I would welcome so much the opportunity to have someone else extract the enthusiasm that I have to make a child smile with the thrill of a new story.I do have lots of stories to offer and wonder because I have done the marketing myself, if this would exclude me from entering this competition. I used to love telling stories to my daughter, (especially ghost stories), and the pleasure for me is if the child/children really enjoy stories. Good luck to all budding authors.

Patricia A Johns, Greenock, Scotland, United Kingdom

It's nice explain stories for the children. Stories with creativity that develope the imagination of the children. Also, it's difficult for a writer the exercise of the writing work. When you are in front of a empty page and you need fill it about words for interesting stories.

Àlex, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Oh dear! It all sound so easy, but how to get started, long before thinking about publishing??? I'm 21 and my greatest wish is to become a children's book author. But then, while writing, I think, would any child or adolescent like it? Is this what the kids want, need? Will anyone ever accept it? And then I slap myself, mentally, and think hey, it's for me! First and foremost I write for me, to tell my story, about my world and my characters, which I love like my dearest friends, though I still don't know, what will become of them. Maybe, some day, I will invite you into this my very own world. Maybe, some day, I will show you the door and give you the key to it. Maybe... but until then, I will stay there alone, create, think, work, write and rewrite, live and love.

Natalia Peek, Starogard Gdański, Poland