First, create main.tex, including a preamble:
\documentclass{report}
\usepackage{svsing2e}
\usepackage{psfig, epsfig}
\usepackage{amstex}
\pagenumbering{arabic}
\begin{document}
%\input{preface} % this is optional
\input{ch1}
\input{ch2}
\input{ch3}
\end{document}
Next create chapters (chN.tex) with no preamble and no \begin{document}
or \end{document}. For example, the content
of ch1.tex might be:
\chapter{Introduction to Nobel Prize Winning
Dissertation}
\section{Why this dissertation deserves a
Nobel Prize}
arrogant blah .... arrogant blah
\section{Why other people's work does not}
vindictive blah ... vindictive blah
Now just compile main.tex and you should be in business. Note that the \chapter lines could be included in the main.tex file before the appropriate \input call.
The main.tex from my dissertation might be useful to somebody; it has syntax for margins, bibliography, etc.
Here's another main.tex example, from my recent HEI multi-chapter report. It has syntax on appendices, resetting page counters and page/figure/table numbering, etc.
More details on some of the syntax for monkeying with numbering and formatting of pages, tables, sections, etc., where examples of these in action are given in the documents linked above is found in this section
Last modified: 12/20/09.