psm, the simple and painful fact is that if you self-publish fiction, you are not going to get a lot of readers. Fiction self-publishing may work for you if you have a niche market, but niche markets are by definition small. The reason people go with commercial publishers is because that's what gets their work out to the largest number of readers.
If you self-publish, you not only have to write well and edit well, you have to learn how to run a business--you have to learn marketing, distribution, accounting, contract law, and so on. Sound like fun? Not to me. I'd rather spend the time writing. If it sounds great to you, go for it.
So, if you decide to self-publish, keep in mind that that decision will limit your readership and take time away from writing your next book while you run a business. Self-publishing is not easy, and it only works in certain circumstances. Take some time and read through the older threads in this forum, so you have an idea of what you're getting into, and which printers you might consider if you decide to do it. Good luck.