However, as to publication of a defamatory statement in a number of copies of the same newspaper, magazine, or book, most American courts have adopted the “single publication” rule. Under this rule, all copies of a newspaper, magazine, or book edition are treated as only one publication. The publication is deemed to occur when the finished product is released by the publisher for sale (a matter which is, obviously, most important for the running of the statute of limitations). Damages are still calculated on the total effect of the story on all of the readers.