After countless hours of researching and reading publishing options, I have discovered a few things, mostly about myself and how I work as an author.
1) As a writer, I want to work with people who are passionate about what they do, and who do things on a personal level.
2) To be successful as a writer, you need more than a good manuscript. You also need to have a good mind for business and marketing. Sadly, I do not have that. Fortunately, I know people who do and who are willing to help me.
Okay, so that’s two things. But I do think they are key things to keep in mind as I continue trying to figure out my path.
One of the things that has been bugging me a lot recently is time. How much time should I give myself to prepare and to decide what I need to do? Today, I finally gave myself a deadline. June 15. Until that date, I will be working to make sure everything is set and ready with my manuscript, I will continue on with my research, and I will try to get all of my affairs in order.
This is a big step, and it’s one for which I’ve been waiting a very long time. That being said, I don’t want to rush anything. That’s why, instead of running out and publishing my book tomorrow, I am taking this next month to make sure I have chosen the best possible venue for my manuscript.
A Platform of Sorts 
Setting goals is what really helps us forge ahead, make progress. Else, the dizziness called life just gets in the way. As to the post on self-publishing, no need for defense. I read an article among many of its kind describing how Kindle’s really changed the landscape of publishing. And everything’s gone DIY….I think with the advent of Youtube alone.