Always do your best. What other published writers do doesn't matter. Focus on your own efforts.

First look for breaks where there is least competition. You need to build up a reputation for good work. It matters.

Find your own voice. Don't try to be another JK Rowling. Look ahead. Today's top sellers were written years ago.

Don't argue if editors reject you. You get nothing for arguing. Delay sometimes means that they are interested.

Don't make writing a religion. After rejection, life goes on. The sun still shines. It isn't the end of civilisation as we know it. Persist. Believe in yourself. There is no easy way.

'Follow your star' - use your experiences to the full. If you are very observant, write realistically. Good with speech patterns? Try drama. Daydream a lot? Write fantasy. If it doesn't feel right. Don't do it.

There is nothing outrageous any more. If you want to shock - forget it. Sex, even implied, is completely out in children's books. One dodgy word or scene is death in schools. Get real.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. OBSERVE. LISTEN.

WRITE, WRITE, WRITE! SUBMIT! SUBMIT!