So I wrote the manuscript, the query and the synopsis.

[PATRICK]

18. Yes

Examine some first manuscripts by some famous writers, even with track records and the editing service may not be perfect but so essential that that becomes another skill probably only another skillful eye can mend- and still there is a marketing skill that may not be in the mi length, substance, appeal).

All these posts pretty much confirm what I feel the situation is regardless of the mushrooming of real self-publishing opportunity. Agents to legacy publishing= greater chance of readership and financial reward out of the universal slush pile. Yet if you want to get your work out(and still not burn your chances while in that pile) self-publishing is an excellent (now cheap and freely aided) way to learn and hone your notion to potion skills). It is also a possible way into Legacy publishing if you earn it the hard way. And it MUST be earned or at least proven successful above its peers.

The best book would be about how to write books to earn instant money? Maybe it is about finding readers or letting readers find you. A viral book video would be a great way out, but just take a look at even legacy publisher book trailers on Youtube and how few hits they get. Still, it is available and cheap to do.

If you keep running to everyone else for every writing and publishing aspect there are a lot of middlemen in the money end of things regardless of the free help- which is exactly why so much free help is being given, even taken by force. The tide of would be writers keeps one from cursing the time consuming, costly gleaners.

Who can know, but I believe the slush pile in general is less and less read, even queries. That the real slush pile of self-finished books is not examined by Legacy or agents either except for the biggest sellers/winners and maybe only after they took that record simply to the print houses themselves.
I have seen good writing and better books for the genre in that pile, but those usually are from writers already with success in print who want to expand profit and opus. They are not separate, although there should be a separate category for these people with a track record and THOSE whom they may recommend because being smaller fry and independent they have the time and generosity to boost the beginner.

The ordinary reader and agents aren't going to systematically search the currents in this ocean to discover the good stuff anytime soon. Lots of wasted talent and opportunity rare though it may be.