And some mega bookstores will carry books by local authors. Unless your book begins to show some success and you can show this to the powers at the top of the large bookstores, it's pretty difficult for an independent publisher to get in. Barnes and Noble and Borders will order books from small publishers when customers request them, however. But they won't find you if you're not listed in Books In Print. This company is the guardian to Books In Print.
Good editors make themselves available to their freelance writers.
They want you to ask questions if you need clarity with regard to the assignment. However, I strongly urge writers to avoid calling or emailing editors for frivolous reasons. A writer can write about anything that interests him or her as long as he has a strong sense of curiosity and good research skills. He should not be afraid to contact experts and to ask questions. My schedule now, however, would curl most writers' hair.