Hachette Book Group has decided to pull the publication of the novel “Shy Girl” due to concerns that artificial intelligence might have been used in its creation.
The book was initially planned for release in the United States this spring. Hachette also announced that it will halt its availability in the United Kingdom, where it has already been released.
The publisher stated that the decision followed a detailed review of the text, although online reviewers on GoodReads and YouTube had been suggesting that the novel was likely generated using AI. The New York Times reported it had inquired with Hachette regarding the “Shy Girl” concerns a day before the announcement.
In correspondence with the NYT, the author Mia Ballard refuted claims of using AI in writing her novel, attributing the issue to an acquaintance hired to edit her originally self-published version of “Shy Girl.” Ballard mentioned she is taking legal action, stating, “my mental health is at an all-time low and my name is ruined for something I didn’t even personally do.”
Writer Lincoln Michel and other industry experts have pointed out that U.S. publishers seldom undertake extensive editing when acquiring titles previously published in other formats.
