BWFoster78
Myth Weaver
@BWFoster:
Regarding point one, this is also a question you may have to answer if you go with a traditional publisher. I know a fantasy writer who was asked to remove an important death from her book and make a romantic subplot the main plot so the book could be positioned to sell more.
Regarding Twilight, I think that's the reaction the vast majority had, which is why Meyer sold so damn many books.
Steerpike,
That's one reason I'm going with self-publishing. I don't think I consider myself an "artist," but I have a story that I want to tell. I wouldn't mind making some changes, but I'd have a hard time completely altering the plot.
There's a lot of criticism out there for Meyer, but she obviously has some talent. She told the story she wanted to tell, and it resonated with a lot of people.