A real reason to do it yourself

Some people publish their own book because that's the way they want to do it - to retain control, regardless of the effect that has on sales. But take a look at this blog interview with someone who has seen both sides. (And with 25 books published, mostly by big publishers, he has major experience!)

In 10 years, and with new editions as needed, he sold more than 200,000 copies of his guide to distance learning for degrees; then it was taken up by a major publisher . . . which just did not do as well as he continued to do with his own edition which, through a stroke of luck in contract wording, he was able to continue to sell direct.

Such direct comparisons are rare, but it shows what a small publisher can achieve with a book that fills a need.