Thanks guys! On the bright side, it only took me a few hours to have that first red flag raised and less than 12 hours to figure it all out. I wasted last night and this morning researching it, but better that than hours editing, money sending and hopes up for months before a reply.
Also on the bright side, I had virtually given up on publishing this one. I was on to other projects, so it doesn't feel like such a loss.
I actually feel pretty good now, after notifying my family (Mom, Dad, kids, husband), and so forth. Somehow I feel more hopeful than ever before. That pure joy of an acceptance like that, even though it wasn't real, made me realize that it could happen. It could happen just like that...when you least expect it...when your son is playing outside and you're getting ready to go to a football game... when dinner hasn't quite made it to the oven yet and dishes are piled in the sink...when the wind is blowing splashes of autumn leaves onto the porch...On a day like any other day it could happen...only this time it will be real. And it will happen! It will! For all of us!
Oh, but I do have a question. Is it normal for a company like this to be listed under small presses? Now I'm reluctant to use a small press again. Any advice on that? Is there a list of legitimate small presses somewhere other than the Writer's Market?
Take Care Everyone and Keep Writing!
Lavinia