Hi, I wrote a book in 2007 and self published using a company on the understanding that I would retain the copyright but they would arrange for it to be sold on Amazon and through other sites including their own. Any copies sold by them would earn me royalties, and I received a few small payments from them over the following two years. I have not heard from them since and they do not answer letters or emails.
I have since found that my book is still being offered for sale by several sellers on eBay and on Amazon, and several internet companies in the USA, Australia and even India. One company states on eBay that they own the copyright - which they clearly do not. I have pointed this out to them but I don't get a reply. I contacted a publisher in the USA last year as they too stated that they owned the copyright, but again I was ignored - what can I do about this? I have not received any royalties. The book is still being offered on Amazon and I contacted them but they said it is nothing to do with them. Please can anyone help?
I am told they are no longer trading, but the book was originally published by Diggory Press in the UK and then (without my knowledge) passed to Exposure in the USA. I am told that they are no longer trading either. Still working on where it is now being published. I have been given a name and have contacted them by no reply. Next will get solicitor's letter sent to them. Will let you know what happens.
It looks as if the foreign rights of your book have been sold without your knowledge or permission. If other writers have already tried to gain recompense and failed, you're in a very weak position, but one thing you can definitely do is name and shame this company so none of us fall foul of them.
Thank you Christopher for your helpful answer. As everyone is of the same opinion - that I should get legal advice, I will do so and hopefully get this sorted out, I want to leave the copyright of my books to my children and have said so in my will so even more reason to get this sorted out before I 'go'.
Thanks everyone I feel more confident in tackling this now.