Niche books in this day and age can do very well (we have done more than well). The key is we worked very hard at it. We paid the money for a graphic designer for our second edition cover and my husband has the skills for layout. Not everyone is willing to do that step. We also use a quality printer.

The other thing is we have a distributor in the outdoor book industry.

Amazon has leveled the playing field in many ways for small publishers.

But I won't deny that one reason our book has done so well is that I was a known commodity beforehand. And I stay active in my field. With any publishing, be it traditional or self, you must be willing to do the work. You cannot expect anyone else to get the news out there (those days are long gone!) but with an active following one can do well.

And frankly...if you get a winner of a book you can make a lot more $ than traditional publishing will ever pay. I wouldn't go traditional at this point now!