SELF PUBLISHING

Is self publishing worth it.

I read everything I can on self publishing as long as it doesn't cost anything.
I just finished reading an add promoting a book on how to self publish. It took me forty-five minutes to read, an investment in time I seldom allow myself, especially when it sounds like one of those paid-for commercial shows on TV. They were selling a 140-page booklet for $40.00; of course good until midnight tonight at a one-time special discount price along with all the free extras, with an iron clad money-back guarantee if not completely satisfied. They even had a PS with another urgent chance to buy, and a PPS and a PPPS. I almost busted a gut. First, I've learned long ago to mistrust such hyper driven adds, I indulged myself this time hoping I might find a piece of candy somewhere amongst the hype. I didn't.
My point is, it seems to me the only people making money in self-publishing are the ones selling services etc, at an outrageous price I might add, to the self-publishers or building a mailing list to promote their own product. Everyone and their granny have something to offer with a guarantee of success if you buy their services or product before midnight.
I joined one site that boasted of several million hits a month, guaranteed to increase traffic to your web page. I jumped right on it. That was two months ago. The only traffic my two web pages and blog had was my increased checking to see if I had any traffic. That got me to thinking. That website that got millions of hits a month also had a million and a half members, mostly writers. They too, were checking their site numerous times a week or a month.There's no magic formula out there to make you an instant best seller. I don't think our chances of being a best seller are any different than going the traditional route. Best sellers came about by timing and the coming together of the right people. Or, if you're famous, or someone who has a large following or are a radio or television personality. Of course, your writing has a lot to do with it. I think? Having a great editor can also do wonders to most manuscripts. How many great writers are also great editors? Even Steven King has his books edited, but then he can afford it. Being published is not the ultimate.