Very interesting. The attraction for so many writers is the additional money. Take my example, I've had a publisher discount my exports to the US by 85%. That means since I'm paid royalties on net receipts, I get pennies per book. Although my sales have risen, my income has plummeted. And no, I wasn't consulted when they arranged this deal.

The idea of 25% or more royalties per sale on books priced sensibly is very appealing in comparison. But I know that I would have to write even more than my present two books a year, which is daunting. Or rather, unlikely to be achievable.

However, the biggest killer for me is not just the money and marketing - it's the fact that I depend on editors and copyeditors. I write fast and moderately well, but I am very bad at editing. If I could afford to work for a half day at a time, I would be happy, but I cannot afford that on my income. I have to work too many hours a week as it is. 

If I was to self-publish, the editing time would necessarily increase, I'd have to market and publicise even more than I already do, and I don't see that I'd be able to command the sales and visibility necessary. 

So I'll carry on trying to scrape a living as a mid-lister with the hope that one day someone will make a film of one of my books and I'll be able to invest in a pension. I can dream.