Question by Silver: What are the requirements to get a book published?

Hey, I’m a 16 year old author and poet but do not understand how the publishing system works.

I’ve looked for information online but do not trust many of the sites.

I want to know about how to copyright work (if this is needed) where to do it, if it costs. etc.

I also want to know if it is more efficent to get a publisher to publish for you or if ‘self-publishing’ is a better idea. I want to know about costs, quality of the books produced (comparison between self and company publishing) about the art and fonts on the front and back cover. Additional costs of front/back cover designs?

In a nutshell:

How do I stop my stuff being stolen?

Who should I get my book published by?

How do i get in contact with them?

Additional costs for any other reasons?

If you want this book to go public how much is a reasonable first amount? E.g. 500 books?

P.S. – A friend mentioned checking out Amazon/E-book/Kindle style stuff? No idea what he means. Help please!