I love the idea of the little guy doing it without a big publisher. The problem with that idea is the same problem that any indie artist has had: exposure. Pub

I love the idea of the little guy doing it without a big publisher. The problem with that idea is the same problem that any indie artist has had: exposure. Publishers spend between 1 and 3 million dollars on a new book just for production (editors, graphic designers, typesetters, etc.) and marketing. JK Rowling very much benefited from those dollars. Editors helped her shape her work into books millions of people would love and marketers made sure that the world heard about it. She would not be the woman she is today (financially speaking) without those up-front costs. At this point in her career, you're probably right, she could self publish and do pretty well. But if the later Harry Potter books (where she had more editorial control) are any indication, she's much better off under the guide of a strict editor.