Board Game Designers Forum

This is kind of a general question, but is there a document here that I can look at to evaluate the steps needed to get a game from idea to market? I know I can look at the forum names (design, mechanics, etc) but has anyone done one or more games through every process? I need lessons learned so that I don't get bogged down, don't over or under-spend, get the printing and other materials created with the right timing at the right place, etc. How much collaboration was done and any tools used for distance collaboration, how much money for the various steps, if Kickstarter is a valid funding process, etc.
I have a game that I would like to develop based on a book. I am still waiting for the author's permission. Has anyone dealt with that? The legal issues involved? Has anyone ever asked for outside help from established game publishers? Is that a good idea?
In short, I want to take a game from concept to publishing. Is there a FAQ already or a blueprint here? If there is I couldn't find it.
Sorry to ramble so. Thanks.