That's the million dollar question! If you have access to a library, I recommend Alex Andersen for the hand quilting perspective, and Angela Walters for machine quilting. Also, there's an eye-opening book called, 'Quilting Makes the Quilt,' which you could probably find for cheap on amazon if it's not in your library.
If you're a computer person, I would guess there are endless tutorials and YouTube entries on that subject.
Welcome to the board and to quilting!