What is the best book that helps for getitng a your own book published?

Marcello: What is the best book that helps for getitng a your own book published?
I have the writing and editing down, but I do not know what to do next. I am not interested in self publishing as I would prefer to send to major publishers to see if they will pick the book up…but there are things I am really in the dark about…such as getting an agent, protecting the content of my book, etc.

Is there a good book out there I can buy that goes into these details?

Thanks.

Answers and Views:

Answer by mfg
The Writer’s Market.

Answer by T M
Writer’s Market is definitely a good place to start as far as hard copy info goes. I would also recommend that you read the links in the About Me section of my profile as well as My Starred Questions. Two of my favorite blogs are Nathan Bransford of Curtis Brown, Ltd and BookEnds, LLC. Blogs are especially helpful I think because agents, editors and publishers write exactly what they think and how they feel about the industry. You really get a feel for what the right and wrong moves are. Read ALL of the links and you will gain the knowledge that you need before you start trying to publish your book.