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The problem with short breaks is facing your email inbox on your return - mine were absolutely overflowing especially as I belong to three online writing groups. Among them was a link to the Guardian newspaper website's How To Write series. I haven't had chance to read everything but there are articles on scriptwriting, comedy, poetry, journalism, historical writing and writing for children. There are words of wisdom from Robert Harris, Antonia Fraser, Michael Rosen, Linda Newberry and Meg Rosoff. There is also a great piece on the benefits of reading your work aloud to children by publisher David Fickling. I've mentioned before how horrible I find reading my work to other people, and I haven't yet tried reading it aloud to them although I have had a couple read it and give me their thoughts. Perhaps I should be brave and approach a local school to see if I could try it out on a class. I also think it's important to read aloud your story to yourself - although it can be a bit embarrassing if anyone hears you. When I first read some Dr Midas aloud (to a writer's group) I realised I had used 'said Dr Midas,' and 'said Millie' far too many times. It just sounded silly. It can also help to make sure sentences aren't too long and that there's a nice natural rhythm to your writing. My great ambition of course it to have complete strangers reading my stories, that's why I keep sending them out in the hope of publication. Find out more at http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/series/howtowrite Another email waiting for me was from the North West branch co-ordinator of SCBWI (www.britishscbwi.org) which I joined just over a year ago. SCBWI is the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators and it has a British group. SCBWI organise regular events with top agents, publishers and writers. The north west group also meet regularly for critique groups (in Manchester and soon in Chester) and have just set up their own website with the fantastic address www.afewofmyfavouritethings.co.uk which publicises local writers and artists including me! If you would like to read my short story 'Diversity' which won the Writers' Advice Centre for children's books competition just check out the website. The final email I'm going to share is from an independent bookseller Simply Books based in Bramhall Village, Cheshire - about upcoming children's author events. I've yet to visit the shop but I will have to as it looks amazing on their website - they were also 'runner-up' for Independent Bookshop of the Year 2008 and have regular author events. On Wednesday, October 1st, (4pm - 5.30pm) Rick Riordan American author of the 'Percy Jackson' series of books will be visiting and signing books. Simply Books say: "'Percy Jackson' books take stories from Greek Mythology and set them in modern day New York -they're fast, funny adventures with lots of action and real page-turners. Perfect for boys and girls aged 9-12 and Rick himself is great fun." Then on Tuesday, October 7th, (11.00am-12.30pm) author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson will be chatting and signing copies of her brilliant new book Stick Man. Simply Books said: "Separated from the 'family tree' we follow Stick Man's perilous adventures and eventual reunion with his 'Stick Lady Love and their stick children three'. Funny and touching, we think this is likely to be another classic of 'Gruffalo' proportions." Find out more at www.simplybooks.tbpcontrol.co.uk Don't forget you can share your writing news and events or links with me via the comments section or email me at www.drmidas.co.uk

I've been asked by a would-be writer about submitting manuscripts and if its best to submit to agents or publishers. My answer is it depends on who you ask - those who found an agent recommend them, those who got lucky on the slushpile without one say go it alone. Certainly a lot of publishers now will only look at agented work. Here's what I've learned over the years anyway: Most of the big publishers say no unsolicited submissions but that sometimes means send a 'query letter' rather than no contact at all. A query letter is basically you asking if they would like to see your manuscript, with a brief description of the book, who it is aimed at, a bit about you and usually sample chapters too. Most publishers advise to get an agent first, the problem is it's really hard to get an agent. Now people are suggesting you go to an editorial service first like Cornerstones or The Writers' Advice Centre for Children's Books they sometimes get good results and pass on suitable manuscripts to agents but charge for their services. I think it's hardest with children's submissions since JK Rowling's incredible success everyone thinks it's a way to get rick quick which is hilarious as advances are usually small. You'd be very lucky to be able to give up the day job. Many moons ago I wrote a crime thriller and tried to find an agent/publisher and have obviously done the same with Dr Midas, I can recommend some agents/publishers as better than others. Personally I like the ones who accept email submission (but there aren't many) as its faster and more direct. America seems to be more keen on this approach. It usually takes up to three months for a reply (most seem to take six weeks) the worst was an agency which took a year and I rang twice chasing them. It wouldn't be so patient now, but it's difficult to judge when to do a follow up call or email (I think three months is fair.) I really recommend trying several agents/publishers at a time just don't admit to it unless you have to (i.e several want to sign you - I should be so lucky). Most want a covering letter, synopsis (everyone hates doing them) and the first three chapters. With fiction it's best to only send out after you've finished and done several revisions with non-fiction I understand they want a proposal. Manuscripts should be 12pt Times New Roman double lined spacing on one-side A4. Don't stalk, don't send bribes, don't write in purple ink or blood. Always follow submission requirements to the letter. Oh and remember me when you're drinking Champagne at your book launch.