Stephenie Meyer and Infringed Copyright Experience

According to Stephenie Meyer drops new book after Web leak by Belinda Goldsmith 34 year old author Stephenie Meyer is postponing a new book indefinitely due to its partial release on the web. This would have been the fifth and final installment of her "Twilight" series. The title of the book that was leaked was "Midnight Sun". It was only partially leaked and the writing was flawed and messy. She even has a pretty good idea of who has done this.

Instead of punishing the perpetrator who she says she feels meant no harm, she will not be releasing the fifth book. Stephanie Meyer wants everyone to know this is copyright infringement and it hurts the author. She says this is like downloading music off the internet because the bands aren't getting paid from it when you download music for free.

I totally understand her wanting everyone to realize what copyright laws are for but isn't she just hurting herself by not letting others buy her book. And if they can't buy that book will they buy other books from her that are in a series that might not ever be finished? Why wouldn't she sue the person and do it with media coverage so everyone "gets the message". Who does this benefit except for the person that released this manuscript?

Stephenie Meyer said this had been a very upsetting experience for her, and she hopes it will leave her fans with a better understanding of copyright and the importance of artistic control. Stephenie Meyer was so crushed she no longer feels inspired to continue working on "Midnight Sun". Her final installment of the series may never be complete.