From among the varied non-technical issues, related to self- publishing, the history ofsubscription-based book publishing is addressed first, followed by a discussion of selfpublishing’slegitimacy, then by an examination of self-publishing authors’ roles andresponsibilities. Subsequently, some processes of self- publishing are described, its relationshipto independent editors discussed. Self-publishing is also explored through the eyes of thelibraries and librarians. Some of the related issues, including motives for publishing selfpublishedtextbooks are dealt with. A short discussion directs attention to the possibility of selfpublishingresearch data. Last, self-publishing activities in Hungary are shortly presented.