I had an additional thought for you, wildyard. One of the women that works at my LQS self published a pattern (Stripilicious by Anne D. Hunter). She then taught a class at the quilt shop using her pattern.
It was a big hit so her pattern went on sale at the LQS and she taught several more classes on it. It's now carried at Keepsake Quilting, both online and in store.
http://www.keepsakequilting.com/productdetail/7556.htm
So, think about working with one of the local shops in your area to maybe teach a class and sell your pattern. You never know where it will grow from there. :D