MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. Russian publishing house AST, which has a contract with American writer Stephen King for the release of his books in Russian, has received official notification from the author’s agent about the temporary suspension of cooperation on new contracts, the press service of the publisher told TASS on Wednesday.

"Stephen King's agent has officially notified the publishing house that the author is temporarily suspending cooperation on all new contracts. Thus, the rights to all previously purchased works remain with AST for the entire duration of the contracts," the publishing house said.

The author's new novel "Billy Summers," which will be available in Russian bookstores on April 6, 2022, will be King's last novel in Russian for some time, the publisher added. "But there will really be no new novels and renewals of expired rights for some time to come. AST Publishing House pays special attention of Russian readers: the rights to most of the author's works have been prolonged for 3-4 years, and Stephen King's books, as before, will be available to domestic of the writer," AST said.

Earlier American and Canadian writers Stephen King and Linwood Barkley said in Twitter posts that they would not renew contracts for the publication of their books in Russia.

Stephen King's books are published in multi-million copies worldwide (over 350 million copies have been sold). His works have been successfully adapted for film and television, the writer has won a large number of literary awards and prizes.