I've tried a few different methods from different sources - I have the book Reversible Quilts by Sharon Pederson, and also Quilting in Sections by Marti Mitchell. I also have the Georgia Bonesteel "Lap Quilting" books, which refer to hand quilting, but the construction techniques would work with machine quilted sections as well.
I like the Pederson method, but it is kind of limited because of the ultra-narrow sashings, if you don't want that look for your quilt. Marti Mitchell's book has several different methods and I've tried a couple on small projects, and each one has its advantages and disadvantages. What I settled on for a queen size quilt I'm about to start quilting was actually a variation on one of Marti Mitchell's methods. My main problem with a lot of her methods is the layers of batting make very bulky seams.
My suggestion is to go with the free internet tutes first (wish I'd thought of that before buying books) then go to the library and check out whatever is there, then buy books if you have to. It will still be a lot cheaper than paying someone else to quilt. I tried out different methods on baby quilts, so that I wouldn't have the time/$$ investment of a larger quilt, but could get a feel for what would work for me. And someone is always having a baby, seems like.