When I first started getting interested in doing this, I would go to signings and talks by authors and illustrators. Talking to them afterwards was always easy and informative. I got to the point where I talked to Eric Rohmann (Caldecott winner) on the phone for about 2 hours. He gave me a lot of great advice on a book I was working on. Now it’s at an agent – hopefully I’ll get signed. Who knows? Everyone I’ve spoken to, however, has said that persistance wins the race. Keep at it, and good luck!