Getting a book published - what are the ways?

I was wondering how relatively easy or hard is it to get a book published! Not that I don't know the high standards of getting a book published - the unique content, the language, the title etc etc. I'm talking about the step after this i.e. contacting publishers and getting the book published. 

I've seen many bloggers here who have got their books published and their books are available on Amazon - KUDOS to them. :) 

If someone could enlighten me a little on the process in detail I'd really appreciate. Moreover, right now I am aware about smashwords (which publishes ebooks) and some other publishers like Cyberwit but are there more? 

Just thought to create this thread so that other writers like me who might in future would like to get a book published could get a little help. :)