Here is a story that is becoming increasingly common for established authors. Improvements in print-on-demand technologies are making it easier than ever for experienced authors to go on their own.  From the article:

“It was an exhausting month,” says the author/publisher, “but extremely satisfying. And now I get to reap the benefits of the work.”

Was there a downside to removing a separate publishing house from the equation? “It’s not for everyone,” replies Lau. “Now I have to do everything but the editing–an author still has to have an editor–but fortunately I enjoy it all. Although next time it will be nice just publishing one title at a time!”