Self publish?

It's nothing new. Plenty of writers have been self published, and we've all heard the stories.
Recently self publishing has been on my mind a lot. Michael J Sullivan was self published before his "Theft of Swords" was taken up by a traditional publisher. Christopher Paloini self published his book at 18 before "Eragon" became a world wide best selling novel (as well as a series).
How did these authors do it? How can we publish ourself if we don't know what the outcome will be?
You're entitled to your own opinion, but for me I think of self publishing that will either destroy me or bring my dreams to life.
As you all know, I've been on the search for a publisher for over a year now. I've been editing "Cursed with Power" nearly every day, and I've even working to make my query stand out in the publishing world. It's difficult, and though nobody likes to face it there's a 99% rejection rate. I'm not saying it can't be done, I'm not saying that I'm going up on seeking out a traditional publisher, but I will say this...
I have respect for those authors who have taken a leap of faith and self published their work. Especially those who have proven it is worth something.
If any of you have self published, please feel free to comment and enlighten us on your experience. I'm interested in hearing anything you've got.
No, I do not plan to self publish tomorrow, but it is another option if not traditionally published.

Goodbye Inkpop, Hello Wattpad

As many of you already know, inkpop.com is no longer existent.  Some inkies switched over to Figment, the company that Harper Collins is now working with, but you may have also noticed that a majority of us writers moved over to Wattpad.

For those of you who have been following my book, I'm now switching over all of my links to the present and up to date one: http://www.wattpad.com/3571491-cursed-with-power-book-1-in-the-magicians-series
Don't worry, you don't have to be a member to read my book, but if you truly enjoy it and would like to support it please consider joining to vote for it.  (The picture above is actually exactly how it looks on Wattpad)

During the time I've been MIA from blogger, I promise you I have been searching among publishers and agents.  I'm hoping to find a home for Cursed with Power.  You, my readers, have been amazingly supportive.  Even with the change of the book's location on the web, you all have been wonderful and I won't forget that for a single minute.  I am so grateful to you, and so I want to take a minute and personally thank you for everything you have done.  Through the high and low, my readers are the reason I will always continue writing with my heart.

I'm currently seeking out publishers in hope that someone will take in the book.  At the moment I'm simply writing down who to contact, but I plan on waiting a while before I start querying.  There are some edits I have to finish up, and I plan to polish my query and synopsis.

If anyone has a sample of a timeline --some publishers require it--or a self promotional plan please email them to me: my email.  I've been asking my boyfriend, but both he and I have no idea.  (Why I'm asking him when he's majoring in Computer Science is beyond me lol)  I'm a bit at a lost on that one...

Before I go, I want to give another shout out to all of my readers.  Your support gives me hope and the strength to carry on.  Thank you; I love you all :)
I'll try to be around soon again.  In the mean time feel free to look around.
Lindsey R. Sablowski

Be there for the magic: www.themagiciansseries.blogspot.com