I published a short story last month on Amazon.com to test the self-publishing waters.   They were tepid, at best.  Not because "House Calls" sucked lemons -- I have it on good authority it is one of the 30 greatest short stories ever written.  But because I did not engage in any  self promotion.   Partly because of my natural shyness and partly because I'm busy finishing the novel "I've Been Deader," a near perfect blend of horror and comedy.   

By the end of August, I'll be publishing my book of shorts ("Inside My Shorts: 30 Quickies") on Amazon.com and make a serious push with it.   

"House Calls," one of the short stories and available for download on Amazon.com, has so far netted a profit of $2.12 American.
According to wikipedia, any sales that exceed $2.00 makes one a professional writer.   So call me 'Sir.'

 http://www.amazon.com/House-Calls-Read-Shorts-ebook/dp/B0054KTQQA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311767579&sr=8-1