For anyone wanting to self-publish with help, iUniverse might be an answer. Not cheap (I think it's about $400 US/book) but they include in that very professional trade papberback books, illustrated cover, good bindings, ISBN No. and then it's print on demand. So you aren't stuck with a basement full of books. They don't do any publicity, but they make the actual production a cinch. A woman in my writing group has published 4 books this way, sells them thru local bookshops, book fairs, and small ads in local papers, and while not making a fortune, she's certainly made her money back. It also puts the work out into the market...many authors who started out w/iUniverse books have been picked up by standard publishers.