So, I'm going to go for publishing my novel eventually. Trying for this year. The problem I come to is, if I published through a literary publisher, or even self-pubbed for that matter, I don't want to leave my already engaged readers behind by deleting my story. But on the flip side, I don't want my story to stay up forever and be free if I went through the trouble of submitting my work and earning an editor and publishing deal. That kinda hits a downside for everyone involved at that point.
So what would be a good course of action if I published successfully?
I feel like mailing a copy of a novel to people might come off weird to some people. I could try emailing it, but who really wants a manuscript rather than a novel? If I publish through a company, especially in the literary field, I'm worried an e-book might not be their main goal. (Which is great for my tastes, I want physical copies of my novels.)
I'm just trying to figure out the best approach to removing my story without screwing my readers if the "what if" becomes "This is happening soon."
Any ideas on a good approach to solving this hypothetical predicament?
Or would people actually be down to purchase something they read for free online?
(The forums are bad for me. I was editing, went to ask this question, then spent two hours on the forums. Signing off and working on my novel now. Then going to bed. xD I'll be back tomorrow.)