How To Write A Novel

I often wonder why some people are against self published books. I know many self published authors who have made their way into bookstores and sell thousands of dollars worth of books.

Still, authors always feel they must be traditionally published or they are not legit. Why? I often wonder if this is because self published authors feel that they do not have a publisher's validation on their book. Do they realize that 80% of all books released by traditional publishers bomb terribly, and many never make back their advance?

I would love to hear some of your ideas on the subject. I recently suggested to a student that their self publishing company was not working in their best interest. This student went 'off the handle' and wrote a long scathing email about my attitude against self publishing - which, was not voiced at all. This student was insecure - the problem was not mine - it was hers. I felt bad for her, because her attitude is costing her book sales.