I have a few poems published and I have three friends that have books published. a graphic novel,and a book of short stories, and one has 3 or 4 books of poems.It is much easier to self publish then submit your work to anyone.But costly too and you have to promote your book afterwards.
I write to deal and cope with issues and life and not to be famous or rich. It is more for me then for who reads it. Though I pray something I write and share helps another.
Peace
BMW