How to Start

Before you begin formatting your material and start looking at costs consider the following. You need a good idea of what your book will look and feel like before you can get a good estimate.

Determine the binding you will use (paperback is common and inexpensive)
Number of pages (usually in multiples of 16)
Trim Size, width by height (5.5x8 and 6x9 are common), Paper Sizes
Paper Weight will affect shipping and manufacturer (50lb or 60lb common)
Quantity to order. More copies gets better prices
Investigate a point of sale. Local book stores, library, web pages or book signing
Gather your material in a single location and oranize into chapters
Collect any pictures so everything is ready

Copyright Basics -
Taken from the United States copyright web site,
"Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U. S. Code) to the authors of "original works of authorship," including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is available to both published and unpublished works. Section 106 of the 1976 Copyright Act"

The copyright in the work of authorship immediately becomes the property of the author who created the work when they create it. These rights are given to every author and artist. Respect these rights by getting the proper permissions to use someone elses work within yours. You can research copyrights yourself at the U.S. Copyright site.