So how does the process get started, and by whom?
I wish I could answer your question but Mark said he will be going through all of this on his radio show in the upcoming weeks and I have ordered an advance copy of his book on Amazon to be able to have it when he discusses this. I don’t know any more than you. His book will be released 8-13-13.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Liberty-Amendments-Restoring-American/dp/1451606273
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is an organization that provides meetings and communications among state legislatures. They schedule various topics that are attended by representatives of state legislatures.
ALEC can be used to measure sentiments for an Article 5 project.
Otherwise, state legislatures can choose how they want to proceed. They can simply make an application to Congress. Once 34 state applications are received, Congress must clear the way for a convention by states to propose amendments.
However, once 34 state applications are received, or a substantial number that appears will reach 34 in total, Congress can take over and vote 2/3s in the House and 2/3s in the Senate to control the amendment process. DON’T LET CONGRESS HIJACK THE STATES CONVENTION! The states can continue without Congress once there are 34 applications. All Congress can do is select whether state legislatures or state conventions will do the ratification.