Many authors shy away from print-on-demand publishing because the idea of handling their own book promotion is so incredibly overwhelming.  What they often fail to realize, however, is that even if they do eventually get published by a traditional publisher, they STILL need to be actively involved in personally selling their own books.

Publishers with the best of intentions must deal with miniscule budgets, severe time constraints and, quite simply, limited manpower with which to handle the thousands of books they publish each year.  Savvy authors must be willing to do the legwork required if they want to ensure their own successful book sales.

An unagented author who self-publishes has the opportunity to establish a track record and gain the attention of the seemingly unattainable agent and/or acquisition editor.  There is a good possibility that agents will, quite literally, be knocking on the author's door.  Writers trying to get published these days face enormous challenges; print-on-demand publishing helps them turn the odds in their favor.  My best advice to authors: Don't give up on your dream of seeing your book in print.  If you can't enter the publishing world through the front door, try the back door – if that door is locked also, there is almost always a window open.

From Everything About POD Publishing by John Harnish