Copyright Aid

I have recently found that a scan of a letter I wrote to my mother has been published by her in an autobiography which is being sold online.

Do I have any rights as far as getting the letter removed from the book? It is used out of context (if that matters).

I have contacted the publishers and they have stated they do not need to remove the letter as once it is sent it is technically published.

Is this correct?

Thanks.

Wow - I have never heard of a case involving personal correspondence like this, so I'm afraid that I am guessing a bit

The law states that copyright exists in any literary work from the point of creation. So fundamentally, I believe that unless you have give/sold or otherwise transferred the copyright in the literary work (the letter) then publication in this manner without permision would be an infringement.

I suspect there may be special rules that apply to personal correspondence, (needs research), but for a commercial publication like this, I believe you should have been asked for consent before publication.

If this is a big deal to you, and you cannot settle it ammicably, I suggest you take this matter to a solicitor - you may be able to apply for an injunction to prevent your material from being included in the book.

Thanks!