Hi, and thanks for your input. I would be interested in hearing more about your experiences with assisted self-publish and small press. Is it only the expense involved in self-publishing that would keep you from going that route again?
gemma bloom

Yes, this does seem a strange set-up, as I'm used to Yahoo groups. But anyhow...
Congratulations on your success in having found something that works so well for you. That's wonderful.
I guess I remain disenchanted with traditional publishers, big or small, because as far as I'm concerned (from the perspective of now having done an assisted self-publish), I WASTED several years sending out query after query, only to receive (usually) polite variations on "Sorry, we don't think this is right for us." Do I think I have a good book? Yes. Have I sent out better MSS. to large and small publishers and had them rejected? Yes. As I said initially, I'm glad I went with assisted self-publish for the simple reason that I now have a product I can market, instead of waiting indefinitely to catch an acquisitions editor in a benevolent mood between a grilled chicken breast and a lunchtime dash to Bloomingdale's.
I understand something of the problems you've encountered placing a self-publish, since I was turned down by the local Waldenbooks today. BUT the reason they are not allowed to order these books is because the books (as POD) are not returnable, and some of the chains worry about being stuck with inventory. I find I do better with independent stores, although there are some chain stores that will handle them, and unlike some agents and editors I've dealt with, I have yet to meet in person anyone who has been unpleasant or disinterested.
I think we've all gotten the sense that self-publishing is the ugly stepchild, but I know for a fact that what I'm promoting is every bit as good as a lot of what's out there through the big publishers, so that's where I'm concentrating my efforts.
I wish you continued success.
gemma bloom

The way this is set up you cannot follow the comments on the site, unless I am doing something wrong.
Anyway-no, it was not the cost-we got a great book-good editing and a good cover.
For the how to to use at conferences and talks it is probably the way to go because you can get what you want when you need them-that makes sense
Keep in mind small press is POD, as is many of the large presses now and in both cases you do tons of marketing-no problem there.
But I have found that when the bookstore finds out it is assisted, they get turned off-many still viw it as self publish or vanity and then you have to go through the whole talk about how it is different.
I do not have that problem with small press books that are viewed as more mainstream.
And, since I am now publishing with two small mainstream presses I see no reason to pay the money for cover and set up even though they got the first book on Amazon, etc
The small presses have been very accommodating about working with me on cover, editing, etc and I do not see that as a problem-Yup, they take a bigger cut but the sales are better and the exposure is better.
I am not saying not to go the assisted route but their are alternatives if you have a good book.