I believe it’s possible to self-publish well and to the same quality and standard as traditional publishing. 
The landscape is changing. And I’m ready to take a different path.

The emotional side - complete honesty - I thoughtt trad publishing would be easier/less competitive.
Family - daughter is 8 next year, ideal age range - would love her to read it independently.
Friends - what will they think?
Finance? Investing like a business.
Time running out - ticking clock? Not getting any younger!
Ego/Confidence
Asking people to be part of it? Cover quote/blurb/reveal. Fraud as not trad?
Will I ever get it into shops/up for awards/respect from peers?
Is there an element of proving yourself after all the rejections?

My book latest:
I’ve seen some exciting cover stuff and individual illustrations, too.
Dev edits are coming along.
Also signed up for a SP course (my 4th now!) to keep learning, keep developing.
Planning some cross-curricular schemes of learning for 8-12 between english and science.