Copyright laws from the U.S. Copyright office.

Duotrope's Digest is a free database of over 2575 current publications for short fiction, poetry and novels/collections.

Ed2010.com provides a job list, advice, and other support for those who dream of writing and/or editing for magazines.

Fundsforwriters.com
Editor Hope Clarkoffers free newsletters with extensive listings of markets, contests, fellowships and grants.

Mediabistro.com provides job listings and more for media professionals. Check out their "How to Pitch" articles.

Avoid scams, literary fraud and pitfalls with SFWA's warnings.

Tips for selling to magazines and periodicals from writing-world.com.

MovieBytes.com screenwriting contests and markets online.

Oversimplified steps to publishing a book
Adapted from Susan Page's wonderful guide, "The Shortest Distance Between You and a Published Book."

1) Write the manuscript. Revise, rewrite, show it to knowledgeable pros for feedback (not just family members). Don't shoot yourself in the foot by sending out something that's half-baked.
You might only need to write an outline and a sample chapter if you're writing non-fiction and you're an expert on the subject, or a famous person with a following, or "platform."

2) Write a plot synopsis and a book proposal.
The book proposal conveys the commercial potential of the book.

3) Research writer's agents. Publishersmarketplace.com, and Agentquery.com are good places to begin. Tracy Culleton's site www.fiction-writers-mentor.com also has useful info on getting published.

4) Write a perfect query letter and send it to carefully selected agents. See Wendy Tokunaga's blog for an example of a successful query letter and Query Shark for tips on what not to do.

5) Repeart steps 3 & 4 until you find an agent who agrees to represent you.
6) Start the next book while the agent shops book #1.
7) Once your book is sold you'll need to work with your editor at the publishing house to refine it.
8) After the manuscript is complete, create a promotion plan for the book.
9) Publication will probably be at least six to twelve months from acceptance of the final manuscript.

Don't have a book manuscript? Start with shorter pieces. This builds up your clips (published writing samples) and your reputation.

The best books on publishing
Writer's Market, by Robert Brewer. A guide to agents and more.
How to Write a Book Proposal, by Michael Larsen.
Dan Poynter's Self-Publishing Manual, by Dan Poynter.