A huge difference between the traditional and self-publishing routes is where the books sell. Authors on the former path can expect to have their books sold in thousands of bricks-and-mortar locations, by virtue of their mainstream publishers' solid distribution deals with very large retailers.

In fact, in an era when traditional publishing house editors are more often acquirers of projects than editors of words, and when only the surest-to-sell authors get more than a sniff from publishers' promotions wings, the pipeline into B&Ns and Borderses is perhaps the most valuable facet publishers can offer.

Self-publishers, meanwhile, are generally limited to indie bookstores, and generally have to add vendors one at a time. With that as background, I'm pleased to report that Harvard Book Store in Harvard Square will stock the book. I'll deliver it to them in a couple of weeks, as soon as the shipment comes in.

Each indie likes to be approached in a different way, so this part of the tale will unfold haltingly. I'll try to keep up with announcements as they become warranted.