I'm writing in my casual voice, not my literary voice. As you know, literary voices and casual voices are rather different. I am a writer. Not a wannabe. While I do have fans, it's relatively not in the realm of out-of-this world proportion.
I did it all on my own. Got a publishing deal but didn't like it, so like any writer who likes his freedom, I self-published.

But, next time though, I might sign with a publishing house.... For my next work.

Just to let you know, just because you've gotten a publishing deal, don't sign until you read the bottom line. They put many vague things in the contract designed to trap a writer. Not good. Not good. READ THE FINE PRINT.....

This is the same in Sports contracts as well. Ever heard of the athlete that got screwed? The same thing with writers.