Karen,

Publishers can be a pain in the backside. I've had some pretty negative experiences with them, both with and without an agent. My sister used to always say, "Lord, grant me patience, and I want it right now." Then things always happened to help her develop patience. Hmmm. After a while she stopped asking for it.

I'm afraid I have nothing to offer but empathy. And at this point that seems pretty lame.

Vi