But you can point out the books you sef-pub and say, "this is an example of my work" They take a look at your sales and think "Maybe we can take a chance with him..."
Writers are falling into three groups -- Traditional, Self-pub and Hybrid (Has books both through traditional and self-pub sources). So, maybe it's not a bad as you think it is -- of course, the book must match Baen's standards, but I don't think that will be much of a problem.... 
Craig
Like many I started out with the dream of a traditional publishing route.
Then Kindle came along and after a bit, writing and authorhood eventually became a reality. At first I looked at what I had written with Admiral Who and knew it would never pass through the editing process of a major publisher. At least not at the point of first release. Plus I just didn't have 6 months to dink around floating to the top of their professional slush pile only to be rejected. I needed the money man! As it was the money came too late and I had to spend 9 months in the usa away from my family regardless.
At this point I'm firmly in the Self-pub group spitting out my books as fast as I can write, review and edit them. That said I think my work has improved, to the point I think I might be ready to survive a traditional publisher's editing process, at least after I go through my own little beta reading and editing process. (did I ever mention that some guy once asked me if english was my second language and he actually meant it as a compliment?)
Nostalgia more than anything else I guess would be the reason to go traditional publishing at this point. Baen books led the wave on e-books, they led the wave on interactive forums at Baen's bar and personally inspired me to believe that anyone could interact with an author, anyone could write and then in their fan-forum slush pile was instilled the belief that someday maybe I too could become a professional writer.
I think if I went traditional publisher, it would only be through Baen (unless someone from another house walked up and tried to actively recruit me) and not for the money (although that could sure lead me around by the nose if it started pouring out) but more out of a sense of giving back to the people who made it possible for me to dream and then through the help and tips of other hopefuls pursue that dream of becoming an actual real life author. A person able to write the kind of books I enjoyed reading when I first started out and in point of fact still love reading today.
As recent as a year and a half ago I took a gander at the other publishing houses and they still didn't have anything to compare with the bar.baen forum as it results to giving readers actual contact with their house writers and an area where everyday people still just dreaming are given a place and the encouragement to chase that dream.
The Deposed King
