If you have enough paper, I would just sort of layer the paper in folded sections, or several pages thick. If you're going over grass, it may be helpful to mow the area very short first. If it's not windy, I wouldn't wet the papers until they're on the ground. You can also use cardboard. No need to poke holes in the paper.

I can't offer much on your soil question, mine are filled with composted manure and other organic materials with a little dirt thrown in for good measure.

Using bark mulch wouldn't be my first choice as I think you're likely to bury it into the soil when you plant/harvest which may tie up nitrogen in the soil. Just my guess, someone who has done it may know something different from experience.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tales of a Transplanted Gardener

Joy, I suggest you read Square Foot Gardening. It's worth buying, but libraries have it to. Your questions seem to indicate that you don't really understand WHY you are doing things. If you want to be successful, you need to learn how to think like a plant. Mel's book will help you enormously.