App developers often remark that how Apple features apps is a black box. Others liken the company to a "kingmaker" with the power to make or break apps. (See related story.)

But many well-connected developers have built connections inside the Cupertino, Calif. giant that make getting promoted and getting advice about improving their apps a little less opaque.

These developers generally meet with two groups of people inside Apple: developer relations contacts, who help app developers understand new Apple features and improve their apps, and App Store category managers, who can lobby for certain apps to get promoted. 

Here are some key people on those teams.