I know several successful authors, most I've met here on GR. One started off basically self-publishing. He created a small publishing company for his book. While he had some other authors, I don't know how successful that was. His books were a success & he got picked up by a mainstream publisher. They turned down one of his latest books, so he's going back to self-publishing.
Most of the authors I know made it through traditional publishing, though. That would be a mark of success for me no matter how many copies sold. If a real publishing company with experienced editors liked my book, it would validate the writing, at least in my eyes.
I didn't want to go through the hassle & wanted to keep my book accessible. I wrote it to help authors, not to make money. A publishing company plans to make money, though. I just want a little more realism in what I read.
Most of the authors I know made it through traditional publishing, though. That would be a mark of success for me no matter how many copies sold. If a real publishing company with experienced editors liked my book, it would validate the writing, at least in my eyes.
I didn't want to go through the hassle & wanted to keep my book accessible. I wrote it to help authors, not to make money. A publishing company plans to make money, though. I just want a little more realism in what I read.