Newbie - FAQ
Racy,
Welcome to the hobby and good luck! Here are some suggestions that might help you get started. I hope these answer some of your questions. Realize though that a dozen different providers would offer a dozen different perspectives on the advice I'm about to give - meaning I'm not the authority, so take it for what its worth 
Getting started
My first suggestion to you is to pay for a VIP membership to TER (you guys are welcome for the shill!). The reviews here are a veritable treasure trove of "Do's and Dont's" that you can learn from. Spend some time reading reviews, both good and bad. It won't take long before you've gotten a good idea of the things that put a smile on a man's face, as well as what NOT to do when meeting someone. Plus, it gives you an appreciation of the challenge guys face to find a good provider who won't rip him off.
Websites
Having a website with decent pics is also very important. For one thing, you can't be a reviewed provider on TER without a website. I use a website called rare-escort.com for my website, and the cost is absolutely free. Click the link included in this post to go to the rare-escort site and learn more about it. When you do create a website...
DO include decent, accurate pics (you'll get hit over the head in reviews for bad/inaccurate pics in a heartbeat).
DO include information about rates, whatever personal information about you that you care to share (I wouldn't recommend getting overly personal though).
DO NOT include any statements that can be construed to mean an offer of sex for money.
Advertising
Once you've created a website, get your link onto as many different websites as possible in order to get it seen. Places like TER are great for advertising. I recommend steering VERY clear of CraigsList (CL). For one, it is the favorite place of LE to use to set up stings. Also, it tends to have a bad reputation among hobbyists, some of whom make a point of specifically avoiding women who advertise on CL.
Screening
Every woman screens differently. Asking for references from other providers is probably the most common way to screen. Be wary of references though. In my area, several months ago several providers were busted, and cooperated with the authorities by providing false references. So the entire referral system has broken down here locally, and I won't accept any referrences from local providers for the time being because of it. Other forms of screening include obtainig personal information such as full name and a work phone, then verifying the work number provided.
General advice
Finally, when it comes to seeing someone, just be yourself. If you have a positive attitude, enjoy what you are doing, and just relax and have fun, then you'll do great. Don't let anyone talk you into doing anything you aren't comfortable with.
I hope some of this helps. Keep reading the message boards too. There are some really fantastic people that contribute to this board who can offer you tons of good advice.
Good luck and have fun!