how does one pursue an invention idea?

Go to Google.com, enter in "Invention Submission" and you will get numerous hits on this subject.

Guy

> I have an idea for an invention. I'm trying
> to establish costs for pursuing it, i.e.,
> what costs are involved (patents etc.) and
> what would be a reasonable start up sum? I
> suppose I would have to at least create a
> prototype (are there other roads?). Once
> I've done that, if I don't want to begin a
> small business producing and distributing,
> is there a way to sell the invention?

> I would appreciate a brief rundown of what
> the process is from conception to profits,
> what the major choices are, and the general
> cost/effort.

> Thanks.