I've finished a couple of manuscripts, which got a polite but firm "no thanks" from the publishing world. I considered self-publishing or e-publishing; but bottom line is I'm too cheap. I decided to go at my writing from a different angle, realigning it to what I currently read and just to get the joy of practicing my craft. Bottom line, I write because I'm a writer; publishing is just a bonus.

Vanity-press publishing is still a dead-end as far as I'm concerned, but a writer needs to know when to cut their losses and change venues; never mistake bored inertia with honest feedback, Kat-I recently sidelined a hot project I'd been plugging for 2 years ,(see my rather hastily typed note on Bethanne's blog yesterday) but have no intention of taking classes or anything like that-I've made money at this stuff before, and I see worse writers doing great everyday, so it's just a matter of getting a new pith helmet and a bigger elephant gun...

:) I shall sally forth to the elephant gun shop--hope to see you there.

I published a scholarly book with a good academic press. I was paid $350 and for a while it looked as if the rights for the image on the cover were going to cost $400. I explained what the print run was going to be and got them down to $150. I also paid someone maybe $100 to do some last-minute fact-checking. So, $100 profit for my years of work :)

Ivan, You got $350? I think I got $250 for mine from "a good academic press." Once I sell 500 copies (priced just under $100 each, BTW), I start getting royalties. Another friend of mine who published 10 years ago with the same academic press got a royalty check for somewhere between $1000-2000 after 10 years!

My first book from a small but wonderful press (not self-published)is selling well, partly because I actively work at selling it. I have a great platform, teaching math concepts through story and rhyme, and I visit many -- many, many -- schools. My first royalty check was close to $1000 just 6 months after publication. Still, it's difficult to find a mainstream publisher interested in math. Math and literature don't seem to fit; few editors and agents were math majors.

My first book from a small but wonderful press (not self-published)is selling well, partly because I actively work at selling it. I have a great platform, teaching math concepts through story and rhyme, and I visit many -- many, many -- schools. My first royalty check was close to $1000 just 6 months after publication. Still, it's difficult to find a mainstream publisher interested in math. Math and literature don't seem to fit; few editors and agents were math majors.

My first book came out in April. I self published after starting a small publishing company. Day By Day is a collection of stories written by children who have a sister or brother who is seriously ill or disabled. It tells of what they learned from this and what they want to tell others. I enjoyed the process and now am working on promoting the book. It fills a nitch and I know we are inspiring many. That's my goal and mission. I have worked with great people including editors, artists and a printer. It is a beautiful book in many ways. The stories are wonderful. I feel very lucky to have had the support of wonderful individuals. I hope we make a lot of money and help millions. www.frisbeepublishing.com