Alexis, I run a site that *recommends* books but don't have anything to do with the publishing industry. Maybe someone with the right experience will come along and have some insights for you.

In the meantime, I'd take a look at http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/ -- it's a blog for the publishing industry.

Peter
(The guy who runs Flashlight Worthy)

Alexis: A somewhat older, but still excellent book, came out in '98: "How to be Happily Published" by Judith Applebaum. I have had it in my bookcase for years - and just checked on Amazon to see if it is still being published/sold - and it is. Its very good - think it will answer many of your questions. Plus - and this is a nice plus - there are 23 customer reviews of this book so you will have a better sense about what you may be buying. Its also very reasonably priced! You can walk right through the flashlight Worthy door into amazon by clicking on the button to the right of your screen on FLW home page! Happy reading and successful publishing!

You should read Barry Longyear's "The Write Stuff"