I have received and deposited a paycheck for the first issue of ArchEnemies. Yes, the book is creator owned, but the company that publishes the book pays a page rate nonetheless. (Yes, that's a hint.)

On the list of "No, wait is this for real?" moments, "waiting for the check to clear" comes after "editor emails me back," "editor gets sign off from boss," "contract arrives," "contract get signed by XXXX XXXXXXXXXX," and "issue one gets penciled," and before "check ACTUALLY clears," "issue one is put to bed," "series is announced," "series is solicited," and "I can hold the darned thing in my hands."

But, yeah, I'm feeling pretty good right now.