Business ProfileforWriters Book Publishing House

To Whom It May concern: In summer 2021, I received a cold call from ******************* a representative from the ***************** Vellumme Innovations stating that my independently published book "The New Eugenics: Modifying Biological Life in the Twenty-First Century" as selected for possible acquisition by Penguin Random House and HarperCollins (supposedly, the agency have field associates who consult traditional publishers on book genres they (publishers) would like to acquire). I knew in the back of my mind that literary agencies do not make 'cold' calls to authors, but the 'bait' was too good to resist. I took the bait and contacted Vellumme Innovations subsequently forming a relationship (which I now regret). ************************* was my Vellumme contact. An acquisition team was set-up. ******* informed me that for the acquisition, the agency would have to 'relaunch' the book (i.e., new cover, ISBN number, etc., I know this reads like a familiar situation to you). I was reluctant to pay any money because a true literary agency/agent gets paid after the contract is negotiated. Despite my better judgement, I paid $1,900 on September 21, 2021 (invoice #****; Tax Id:#**************. To date, I have not seen any proof of service! On October ******************* convinced me that a ****** publisher was interested in my book. And, it would be a good idea to have the book translated in ****** (and he would take a copy to the The *********, ******* Book Trade Show). The cost for the English to ****** translation would be $1,200. I paid $1,200 on October 8th (invoice#****; Transaction id#******************. Again, I have not seen proof of this service. The last contact with ******* was early October. I tried to contact him in early November but my e-mail messages 'returned' to me. I was forced to go to the Vellumme Innovations website and found that they had updated their e-mail addresses and ******* never informed me. I have sent several messages to the new e-mail with no reply.