Coincidence

What's in a coincidence? An artist approached me to show off his book covers and illustrations. When I inquired about some samples of his work, he sent me a portfolio. Not being particularly tech savvy, I didn't notice the folder of book covers. He pointed out what I had missed, and I got the folder open. There were beautiful book covers inside and I was intrigued.

I was thinking over, in which story, I would like to add some illustrations. He pressed me to give him a few details and he would make some drawings for me. I didn't want him to do any work when I was undecided. I looked over his drawings and covers again. I was surprised by the variety of styles.

I noticed a name on one of the covers. Actually, it was on a few of the covers. This name did not match the guy peddling his art. Always trying to be aware and careful online, I looked up the books to get a look inside the cover. Inside the first book was the designer of the cover, which did not match. There was also a logo and address for the publisher.

I live in an obscure little town no one has ever heard about, unless they've been here. I was looking at an address less than two miles from my home. I was shocked. I continued my investigation into the maker of the book covers. I was able to locate a website for the cover designer I found in the book. I hit the contact button and sent an email explaining the situation.

I went back to the original contact from the "artist" trying to convince me to purchase a cover and an illustration for the bargain price of $300. I was no longer friends with or connected to this artist. I guess he figured out I was suspicious. I sent screen shots of all the conversations and a link to the portfolio to the real cover designer.

I heard back from the designer I contacted. He was in California, I'm in Florida. A three hour time difference, and it was late. He wrote to me and explained neither he nor his company would ever approach an author to sell their products. He was happy to receive the screenshots and portfolio link.

He wrote me back again after he was able to look over the information. Turns out, the artist/peddler was a thief. He had no right to sell this art. Not only that, but there was another company in the portfolio that would not have granted permission for their work to be sold in this manner either. The designer planned to inform their colleagues. He also explained that this person had stolen from them before. They had even filed charges against this criminal. Unfortunately, it's the internet, we will likely never know where the guy is, or if he's even a him. The designer thanked me profusely, and we said our good byes.

Now I was free to look into the publisher. I've completed a novel, a short story, and I'm writing two more novels. They will be, or they are, indie published. I read through the publisher's website. A smile graced my face and I couldn't help an occasional small laugh out loud. Thankfully I didn't wake my husband, who was sound asleep next to me. I should've been sleeping too, it was 2:00 a.m.

As I read further into their history, humble beginnings, and author tip blogs, my mouth hung open in amazement. I loved their practices. I loved their philosophy. I loved their style. If I was ever going to publish traditionally, I would work solely with them. I quickly perused their submission form. At first I thought they only published fantasy. I was pleasantly surprised to find they publish romance, spicy romance, and romantic suspense. I met that criteria without even trying. I subscribed to their newsletter and blog right away.

Everything sounded so perfect, like it was meant to be, a match made in the stars. Whomp-whomp...my elation was rapidly extinguished. The minimum word count is 80k. My novel is a svelte 72k words. They even require that all books submitted are in a series. I meet that requirement too. Who knew the best way to sell more books, is to write them in a connected serial format?

Now I faced the dilemma. Should I write 8k words and submit to them? If I submit, am I giving in? My thesaurus says, yes. Submit and give in are synonymous. What to do, what to do?

My husband thinks I should carry my novel in their front door and tell them how I found out about them. He thinks I shouldn't take no for an answer, sell myself and the book, as is.

I'm a believer in coincidence, the paranormal, and all things spooky. I truly accept things happen for a reason. There's a higher purpose. (This philosophy sucks when a person dies, so never say it to a grieving friend, or loved one.)

Being the person I am, I can't avoid following through to the end. I will take myself over there, books in hand, and tell them what happened. If it's meant to be it'll be, right?