HOW bizarre. Glad it had a good outcome (for the moment at least!)

Whatever the case, he clearly has an unfortunate communication style. But let's hope it stays amicable and he's sincere and does right by the book.

I'm still asking her to look at the contract. I suspect someone English read it for him and told him it was fine, maybe they emailed him and he got the message as he was flying over hence the sudden change. The whole thing is creepy though. But she's safe for the moment at least, Lol.

Sorry I'm butting in late but only just spotted this thread. I can empathise, having worked myself with a publisher for whom English is a second language, although mine was a non-fiction book. He was just setting up in media publishing and asked me to submit a book proposal which he accepted. He didn't want to see it until it was finished. He then sent it to a hostile reviewer and made me meet with a man who knew nothing about the topic- Chinese film - but who advised me to write an additional chapter about future trends, which I did. Then I was bullied into allowing this man to be co-credited on the cover.

I let him know I thought I'd been tricked (he wanted to give the 'helper' some credibilty for a future book her had in mind which was never finished) ,which was a mistake, but it sounds as if your man has had a change of heart. It's all about money and I hope at least some money accrues to the author(s). As well as some prizes, of course.

Becca, it sounds as if you are ghost- writing, not just editing.

Sheila

Hi Sheila,
I did have to write some of it when the author just couldn't go on, so there was some ghosting in it, yes. Anyhow, for the moment he's not causing trouble, so I hope that all goes smoothly from now on and he's off her back.

the novel isn't weighty enough to do any good in the Orange Prize, but I shan't be telling him that, or her that.

Very wise. I hope all goes well.

Sheila

Thank you, he's such a horrible little man!.