Publishing road: What's the errors, obstacles to avoid?

[Lord Hoffenburg of Hoffen]

Well I thought this thread might be useful, but I'm asking because I've read what NOT to do in a novel, now I want to know when you actually go to be published, what ARE the STEPS you should NOT do?

So what kind of stuff should you avoid, how do you become published, and how much dedication do you need? Its so that at least others can at least know what to avoid when they start this type of journey.

Thanks