Yes...I would be peeved if Book II were to be held up. I enjoyed Book I immensely, and look forward to the sequel. However, I cannot help but think that HC know a Good Thing when they see one, and you will be picked up by them should the deal go through. If not, with your track record there must be numerous other publishers busting a gut to get at it :) I'm not so sure about my book. It had been edited and proofed, cover designed and ready to join the queue when all this happened. I, like several other people, are in limbo. Which is a particularly crowded and uncomfortable place to be. The seating is cramped, and frankly the coffee from the machine tastes like freshly squeezed cat!