[VictoriaP]

Block's situation *is* still different though from that of the author in the first post. He has a built in audience, no advertising needed, because it's an existing series with many followers (including me), who will buy the book regardless of who publishes it. Even if he doesn't find a single new reader, he'll make money. If anything, it's a situation that's ideal for self pub.

It's a lot more difficult for most new authors, who have no readership to speak of, to get the visibility needed to successfully launch their careers. Good writing alone (even when paired with good editing) isn't always enough to make a living wage as an author.

I'm not against self publishing by any means, but neither do I see it as a winning lottery ticket for just any author. Even a good one.