There have been books published on bicycle touring, but you might have a tough time finding any (or either?) of them.
There are some great internet resources. You can start with http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/ Navigating the site may be confusing at first, but you'll find various completed and in-progress touring journals there.
Just googling "bicycle touring" should get you rolling on the fundamentals. As you educate yourself on the subject, be sure to log in the miles regularly. Although you don't need to be exceptionally fit to cycle across the country, it's a definite plus.
