(In theory) publishers are doing more for you than Apple is. At a minimum they're providing some level of editing services and (maybe) validation of a quality floor. They also have distribution deals that you mostly can't get on your own.
Remember too that publishers aren't seeing a big chunk of the list price which is going to discounts and middlemen of various sorts.
That said, publishers in general don't do as much as they used to and independent publishing will be the right answer for many people--understanding they'll probably have some money out of pocket to make up for the services publishers provide.
Remember too that publishers aren't seeing a big chunk of the list price which is going to discounts and middlemen of various sorts.
That said, publishers in general don't do as much as they used to and independent publishing will be the right answer for many people--understanding they'll probably have some money out of pocket to make up for the services publishers provide.