Working on the perfect pitch.

Another good way to ensure success is to give Pocket Books what they want. "If you suspect that it�s not something that they�re going to let you do, don�t pitch it," says Chris.

"Pitch something that you think is perfect for them. Find the idea that is absolutely perfect, not the most outrageous thing. Don�t do �risky� your first time out.

"Try to come up with the best absolute strongest story that you can come up with within the usual parameters of the book series. If you happen to get involved and things are happening, maybe they�ll pay more attention to your ideas - as wacky as they may seem at the time."

Patience is also a key part of the process. Be prepared to play the waiting game. "If you are a skilled and talented writer and you know the show inside and out, write down a eight to ten page synopsis of the entire story and three or four chapters and send it in," says Golden. "Then realise that it�s going to be a long wait. You may never hear back.

"The one thing you don�t do is to contact anybody at Simon Pulse two weeks after you�ve sent it and say, �How come you haven�t got back to me yet?� Because the reality is that it�s going to sit in a pile for months."