Steps to becoming an author? How to get your work known? Etc.?

You write your manuscript then in most cases unless you have your own publishing connections you'd try to get literary agent to shop your material. Even if you get paid for the material doesn't mean the publisher will ever decide to release it. But if you get lucky and what you've written is deemed timely and/or interesting you'll work with an editor until the publisher likes the manuscript. Then galleys will be sent out to critics and major sellers in the hopes of drumming up interest. Then if the book is considered marketable enough to release to retail that'll happen. If the public loves the book and the publisher markets it correctly you'll become a known author.