What is your biggest challenge as an author in the self publishing business?

[John]

Happy August All!

I asked this in the science fiction and fantasy group as well. I hope to get a cross section of views to help me develop a fuller vision of the self publishing business and what authors go through.

What's everyone's experience with building their sales? How long did it take you to figure out how to use the various kinds of promotions? What did you find the most helpful in promoting your career? How many of you are actually making a living off your sales?

What do you feel has slowed you down the most? The least?

If you had it to do all over again, what would you do differently? What would you avoid like poison and go after like a bee for honey?

Thanks.

John