The most basic things that you should learn
Using text size or leading as guideline
The baseline will make everything pop into place
Tracknig is used a lot but seldom noticed.
Left aligned or justified?
The golden cut as a guideline for distances

Be sure to check out the video The Golden Ratio & Fibonacci Numbers: Fact vs Fiction.

Always design with spreads in mind
The usage of a grid layout
Typical setup for the first pages

Form and situation can replace all these guidelines.

Always follow your judgement over the guidelines.