I bought a book recommended by someone on composting. "the complete book of composting" 1007 pages. Way too much info. The "Indore method" is the original. The formula is: First put a layer of brush on the ground to help with air getting to the pile, then a 5-6" layer of green matter (weeds, crop wastes, leaves), then a 2" layer of manure (1 inch if from chickens), a sprinkling of top soil and limestone, repeat until 5' high. Turn pile after 6 weeks and again at 12 weeks. A few months later it will be done. Moisten while building and when turning if dry. Covering with hay etc helps to keep moisture in and it should be covered with something during heavy rains to keep it from getting drenched. Compost should get at least 140-160F and will kill weed seeds at those temps. Pile not heating up is usually lacking nitrogen. Manure, blood meal, bone meal etc. The layering system above is simply to make it easier to get the proportions right. Then there's the 14 day method. Same ingredients as above but chopped up and mixed up with a mower, compost shredder etc. Turn pile after 3 days and every 2-3 days after that and in 12-14 days it's done enough to go in the garden. Another formula is 100# leaves, 100# grass clippings, 100# manure all chopped up and mixed up. I still haven't figured out how to weigh 100# of leaves though.
You're supposed to be able to use grass clippings, leaves and kitchen waste but I've never been able to get a hot pile without manure. I used to have access to horse manure but don't now so I put a post up on the bulletin board the the general store here. Lots of cow farmers around here.