How and where do I start ??

[melindascrochetbits]

I have been very curious for a long time as to how one goes about getting published. How do you find the publishers or how do they find you ? How much does it generally cost to submit your pattern to a company ? Where can I go for some guidelines as to what I can try and have published??
Ok I may be setting myself up to get burned but so far I have made 3 things without a pattern and I was wondering if I could try to get them published. One is a scarf done with the afghan stitch and the other 2 are baby blankets I made for co- workers uses a " certain" stitch repeatedly.
For those interested I do have pics. I am just scared to post them because I dont want them stolen.
Should I give it a try or come up with some new ideas ? Thanks in advance for all advice.

[crochetqueen]

Please go to www.crochetkim.com (http://www.crochetkim.com) and then click on her blog, look at the links she has to the left, there are several there about getting published. Also I would not post any pictures yet of your designs, I know some places will not even accept a design if you have put a picture of it anywhere online. Here is wishing you to "break a leg" :hook (fyi that is an old term for showbiz and yes I am old)

[melindascrochetbits]

thank you very much for your kind advice and link. Am going to check it out right now...thanks again:manyheart