Nowadays, everyone wants to self-publish

I'm sure that you all probably know mainstream publishing and self-publishing, right? I'm also sure that you heard about all those self-published authors broke into the New York Times bestseller list, thanks to the now popular ereaders. Today, self-published novels have a wider readership than before. With this better, faster, and easier way of publishing, the traditional ways must be going down hill fast, right? Authors can now design their own covers, pick the release date, and get most of the profit. No need to write any time wasting query letters. No more rejections from agents or editors. This "self-publishing" must be absolutely great!

Well, I'm here to shatter your dreams. Self-publishing does NOT guarantee success.

"What about Amanda Hocking, or Brittany Geragotelis?"

Authors and books only become known through major promotion and hard work. Amanda has clearly stated on her blog that it had taken a lot of effort and time for her book to gain a high status. Brittany has a large following and presence online. By the way, they aren't true self-publishers, you know.

"Aha! You just said that self-published novels have a wide readership."

...that isn't even on the same level as mainstream publishing's readership. Despite the stories, book reviewers still are wary of self-pub books and there are only a small number of success stories.

"But you get all the profit!"

If your sales are terrible, there won't be a profit. It is even worse when you have physical copies of your self-pub novel because you paid for it and no one would buy it.

"If you say that self-publishing won't guarantee success, does that mean mainstream publishing does? Or at least being accepted by major publishers?"

No. If you're accepted, you might get a little hype around the book blogs, but it will die down. You need to keep that flame alive and feed it. Even the best books can get a low audience. Have a blog or something. Interact with your audience often.

Like P.O.V. and tenses, chose CAREFULLY. I am not saying that mainstream or self-publishing is bad. Self-publishing takes a lot more work than mainstream, but if you really want to do it, go for it. Be serious about it.