Is it weird not to meet your publisher?

[NorthEndGal]

I have written a short , non fiction, photo heavy book about sea glassing.
I found a local publisher online, and he is happy to publish the book.
My issue is that when I suggested a meet up, to finalize questions, ideas and timelines, he replied that he prefers email.

I dont mind 99% of things being by email, but this is my first book. I am just wanting to make sure this is how things work, before I am in any deeper.
He and I have not signed contracts yet.

Any feedback or advice on what I should or shouldn't expect from a publisher would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Seems odd not to meet anyone from the publishing company. Unless it's a self-publishing arrangement?

Are you paying to have this book published? Have you seen physical copies of other books the publisher has produced?

I know a few authors, and a couple of friends in publishing and that sounds a bit odd to me unless they have particular health reasons, which I'd assume they'd mention in passing. Personally though I'd avoid as it's feels off to me.

It is a self publishing set up, but you dont pay any upfront costs.
The ones that sell through Amazon, go through their system, and if I want physical copies, for promotion and selling at festivals, I buy them through him at wholesale rate, and he takes 50%.

He also provides help in promoting, email lists, introductions with other authors, and the formatting and such.
It is a one person company, from my understanding, but has published a number of books, in many areas.

Bump for the evening crowd?

I haven't met my UK publisher yet, though I'm sure I will one day. What's important in your situation is that you get to see a copy of your book before the print run, so that you can suggest changes if necessary.