A while back I did a series of postings on the topic of Common Misconceptions About Publishing.
Here they are: (Updated 12-May-2010)
Coming up shortly (when I get home and recover from the jet lag) is another CMAP posting. This time, a little more personal ...
Really looking forward to it. It's an excellent series.
Have a safe trip.
Good luck on recovery. I wish you the best. And I've already directed people to your series on publishing and the writer's place in it.
Get home soon, I know how anxious-making that is,
On the subject of awful book covers, I draw your attention to "Good Show Sir" -- a collection point for bad SF and Fantasy book covers. There are some wondrous and disturbing things there. (Warning: major time eater!)
http://www.goodshowsir.co.uk/