Rob's Book-Writing Advice

Recently our friend Colleen asked some questions about my experience in writing my first book. I'm no expert, just a regular guy who followed-through on an idea. I thought you may find the answers helpful for your own book! Here they are:
Question One: What is required to get a book published in a situation where the author has no money?
Fundraising. Self-publishing my book required footing about $600 to a self-publisher.
I did all the edits (I had someone edit), and even created the cover and book jacket; wrote the press release; wrote the author bio, the back cover text, etc.

Question Two: Are there any age requirements for certain publishers? No.

Question Three: Where is the best place to start if I wanted to get a book published?
Write the book first. Have someone edit it.
Then check the packages at virtualbookworm.com

Question Four: What would be the average yearly income for an author that's not a best seller, but has books on the shelves? If you're lucky, $1,000-5,000 year.

Question 5: What are the first steps in getting a book published? (Talent, interesting subject matter, etc.)
It depends if you're writing fiction or non-fiction...
for non-fiction: First thing is to put together a table of contents.
Outline your chapters.
Write them and be willing to change the order.
Have someone else edit. You can't edit your own work.
Add 5-20 black and white photos if you can, to break up the text.
For Fiction: Have a plot outline and define who the characters are and their personalities. Then outline a time line of events which will become chapters.