Can self-publishing be a tool for the art historian or artist?

Greetings!

I'm a quilter and quilt historian.  For the last four years, I have been self-publishing books on African American quilt history.

Today there are many accessible tools for publishing one's research. Print-on-demand printers mean as few as a single book can be printed at a relatively affordable price. Many online bookstore accept business terms (less than 50% margin, no returns of unsold inventory) that are considerably different than traditional bookstores. These terms (can) make it profitable for the self-published author.  Distribution of one's work, at least online, is reachable and doable with services such as CreateSpace, Lulu, or more Lightning Source (a B2B company). Some artists publish full color catalogs using services like Blurb.com.

In the quilting area, individual quilters are publishing their personal catalog of work as well as guilds.

I'd love to engage in discussion with other art historians and artists who have used self-publishing:

• Any suggestions for successful publishing?
• What challenges have you had to overcome? Professional ones? Technical ones? Financial?
• Any consideration for moving towards ePublishing?

Do Tell!   Best,  Kyra