With all the ways to self-publish these days, it's becoming a viable option. (And it's not using a vanity press.) Here's an item that was in John Kremer's free e-newsletter about someone who did well self-publishing. Credits are after the item. I have no qualms plugging John's material. He is very generous with time and information to authors.

self-publishing success story
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In 2002, Rosemary Thornton wrote and self-published a book about Sears homes, The Houses That Sears Built. Here is what she had to say about that experience:

What a crazy bold move that was. At first, I feared I might end up giving those 1,000 copies away to friends and family for Christmas presents for the next 40 years. But then the New York Times called and they wanted to do a story on Sears homes, and they quoted my book.

Next came PBS History Detectives, A&E's Biography, CBS Sunday Morning News and more.

In Summer 2004, my book was a featured category on Jeopardy!

In 2006, I made it to the front page of the Wall Street Journal (above the fold).

Perhaps most importantly, this self-published book provided me with a thoroughly delightful career and income for five years and continues to sell well at Amazon.com.

Copyright 2009 by John Kremer
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John Kremer, editor, Book Marketing Update newsletter
author, 1001 Ways to Market Your Books, Sixth Edition
Open Horizons, P.O. Box 2887, Taos NM 87571
575-751-3398; Email: JohnKremer@bookmarket.com
Web: http://www.bookmarket.com

Note from John: For more inspiring stories about successful self-published authors, order John Kremer's Self-Publishing Hall of Fame ebook via http://www.bookmarket.com/orderform.htm. 254 pages of incredible stories and great tips from those who have sold millions of copies of their books. Only $20 for a quick downloadable Word ebook.