Hachette Cancels "Shy Girl" Release Due to AI Writing Allegations: Author Denies Claims

Hachette Book Group canceled the release of the novel "Shy Girl" due to suspicions of using artificial intelligence during the writing of the text. The book was to be released in the US this spring, but the company also stopped its distribution in the UK, where it was already available.

What is Known

The company stated that the decision was made after a detailed analysis of the manuscript. Meanwhile, even before the official announcement, readers on Goodreads and bloggers on YouTube actively assumed that the text might have been created with the help of AI. As reported by The New York Times, the publisher received an inquiry about this situation before the public decision was made.

The author of the novel, Mia Ballard, denies using artificial intelligence. In a letter to the NYT, she stated that the responsibility might lie with an acquaintance she hired to edit the self-published version of the book. According to her, she plans to file a lawsuit, and the scandal has seriously affected her reputation and mental health.

Writer Lincoln Michel and other industry representatives note that American publishers do not always conduct proper editing of books that were previously self-published.

Source: NYT