In brief
Hachette has announced the cancellation of the US release and discontinuation of the UK edition of 'Shy Girl' by Mia Ballard in response to claims of AI involvement in its writing process. Ballard, who denied these allegations, expressed distress over the controversy affecting her reputation and mental health, as she pursues legal action. This incident marks a significant moment in the literary world regarding the influence of AI in publishing.
The US release of a horror novel has been cancelled by its publisher over concerns that AI was used to help write it.
'Shy Girl' by US author Mia Ballard had been scheduled for publication in the US next month, but that will no longer go ahead, publisher Hachette said. The UK version, which was released in November, will also be discontinued.
A spokesperson for Hachette told BBC News the company remains committed to protecting original creative expression and storytelling.
Ballard, who sold almost 2,000 copies of the book in the UK, has denied using AI to write the book - telling the New York Times an acquaintance she hired to edit the original self-published version of the novel had used AI.
This controversy has changed my life in many ways and my mental health is at an all time low and my name is ruined for something I didn't even personally do, she said, noting she was pursuing legal action.
The New York Times, which first reported the story, said it appears to be the first commercial novel from a major publishing house to be pulled over evidence of AI use.
The publisher added: Hachette remains committed to protecting original creative expression and storytelling. Orbit (in the US) will not publish 'Shy Girl', and Wildfire (in the UK) have decided to no longer continue publishing their edition, it added, referring to its imprints.
Originally self-published last February, 'Shy Girl' was described in promotional material as a buzzy BookTok sensation and a harrowing tale of survival and revenge and as being bloody and unapologetic.
However, one reviewer on the GoodReads website claimed the book appeared to be written by ChatGPT, while another noted the bizarre formatting, typos and repetitive turns of phrase.
BBC News has approached Ballard for further comment.
