I must have the greatest job in the world - I get to read the books that children will love and treasure, before anyone else. From the rainy night in London when I first read Harry Potter to the intriguing process of translating Cornelia Funke's Inkheart, I have been privileged to read the manuscripts of some of the best books of our time.

At the Chicken House in deepest Somerset, my small creative team and I specialise in finding new writers for children and publishing them around the world. I'm an old hand, but nothing quite prepared me for the rush of more than 2,000 complete manuscripts that came through the door for last year's The Times/Chicken Children's Fiction Competition. It was, literally, an avalanche of creative endeavour.

We began the huge reading task and eventually we arrived at a long list of twenty, whittling it down to a shortlist of five that our brilliant judges got to read. Then somehow, miraculously, there was no more arguing. Although there was lots of talent, there was one book that shone through. And just like all those other special reading moments I have had, we all shared the joy of finding one truly spirited story: Reavers' Ransom. It has everything I love in a great children's story: an exhilarating, funny, action-

packed adventure with its own voice. That's what this competition is all about, offering a chance to people who don't know how to get their work read in a crowded book market. It's about providing real talent with an opportunity.

As one of the judges said: “[Not only did we] find one good book, we found a great author too”. Emily Diamand is a gem. So special that we're publishing her this October.

I can't wait to see what's in this year's postbag.

Barry Cunningham is best known for discovering J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter. He has subsequently introduced Cornelia Funke, Kevin Brooks, and Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams, the authors of last year's worldwide bestseller Tunnels.

Barry Cunningham's Top Tips

Work out a “story plan” - this might help you to structure your plot better - and don't forget that you don't have to start the story at the beginning. Perhaps begin somewhere exciting and set the background later.

Think about whom you are writing for: this often helps you to tell the story appropriately.

Describe what your characters look like and show what they're like through their actions. This helps children to imagine them more easily.

More detail is often fun. Think about how you felt when you were the same age as your cast - worries, excitements, concerns - and use this in your writing.

Think about humour: it's a crucial ingredient. Laughing in the face of danger, or just for the fun of a joke, are important children's responses.

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