Steve Harvey gave one of his fans a $100 bill in exchange for a copy of his new book -- after the comic noticed something about the cover that could expose a thief ... TMZ has learned. 
It all went down at a book signing in Virgina last month -- when a woman handed Steve a paperback edition of his new book, "Straight Talk, No Chaser."
We're told Steve quickly realized the paperback edition has NOT been released yet and asked the woman where she obtained it. The woman insisted she bought it at a local store and even produced a receipt.
Steve offered the woman a cool $100 to keep the book -- and gave her a free hardback edition. But now, he's embarked on a mission to find out who leaked the paperback version ... and make whoever is responsible PAY.
So far, no official comment from Harvey's camp. Thanks to 106.5 The Beat for the pic.
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Why did he give her $100 on top of giving her a hard cover book? That doesnt make sense. Why didnt he JUST give her a hard cover book in exchange for the counterfeit paperback?
Who knows how many copies were made. It's not the end of the world. Write another book. ha!
It wouldnt be that hard to get a copy before its released. The books often sit in the back of the bookstore for weeks before release date, it would be pretty easy for an employee to accidentally put it out early.
The paperback is likely the large print paperback edition which has already been released, or a trade copy, usually a paperback that is sent by publishers to newspapers for review, booksellers they'd like to carry the book etc. While you're not supposed to sell trade copies, you can often find them at used book stores. Trade copy paperbacks tend to be a bit larger than a typical paperback. The paperback in question looks the right size to be either the large print or a trade copy. Some people don't realize when they are looking at a large print book because it's often not much thicker if at all due to new printing techniques, and the print isn't necessarily very large, but it might be an easier to read font. And really, who would be stealing Steve Harvey books?
^^^
#9 @La Babe
Your explanation sounds spot on! Steve Harvey is a fool for realz. Harvey better be willing to shell out more $100 bills cuz no one is gonna buy that craptastic book of his. Wow, looks like 7-8 peeps in line. Puts the douche in NY Times worst sellers list. Next.
The only white thing in that line are the pages of the book. Shocked it didn't go right to paperback to begin with.
who cares he is a crybaby heck its the same boook just one has a hard cover.whining over the paper back being released..
Angelo (first post) you're no 1 again because you're a loser!
And Wikileaks leaked the paperback.
It's all a part of a diabolical plan concocted by his ex-wife, Mary, to destroy his relationship book hustling empire and leave him penniless and destitute for cheating and leaving her for a younger, prettier woman....
