How to sell bitcoin in USD?

Could you please elaborate on the steps involved in selling Bitcoin for USD? As a beginner in cryptocurrency, I'm quite confused about the process. Would I need to first create an account on a cryptocurrency exchange? Once that's done, how do I transfer my Bitcoin to the exchange? Are there any specific fees I should be aware of? What's the average timeline for converting my Bitcoin into cash? And finally, how do I withdraw the USD to my bank account securely? Your guidance would be greatly appreciated.