Question about how people get published

I've written quite a few finishable stories and I've also written about 400 drafts. I'm looking to start publishing and I just have some questions that I thought you guys could help answer for me. <br><br>1. What leads you to a publisher? You go online and then what? What's the process? <br><br>2. What if your book knocks against an "unpopular" genre? Is that a no go?<br><br>3. Generally, how do they review your work? How long of a text snippet do they review?<br><br>4. My understanding is that you write in one of two ways - traditionally or self publishing. What are the pros and cons of each way? <br><br>5. Would you prefer a publisher, or self publish? <br><br>6. I don't know if this is the right place to ask, but is there a name for the people who read your work before it goes through the publisher? What is their job? <br><br>7. Do you have to copyright your work before you have it published?