“Shy Girl,” a forthcoming horror novel by Mia Ballard, was pulled by its publisher following widespread allegations that it was written using artificial intelligence.
The decision came a day after The New York Times presented Hachette Book Group with evidence suggesting the novel was AI-generated.
Hachette said it decided not to publish the book, which had been scheduled to be released in the U.S. in May, after conducting a thorough review.
“Shy Girl” is a story about a young woman held hostage by a man who forces her to live as his pet. It was originally self-published in February 2025.
Although the novel initially received positive reviews and thousands of Goodreads ratings from readers looking at advance copies, many readers began flagging the book for what they saw as signs of AI within the novel.
The publisher also discontinued the book in Britain, where it was released in November 2025. The book had already sold 1,800 print copies, according to NielsenIQ BookDat.
Ms. Ballard said in a statement to The New York Times that she did not use AI in her writing process but that an acquaintance she hired to edit her self-published book used it without her knowledge.
She said in an email to the New York Times that the controversy has severely damaged her mental health and reputation. She said she plans to pursue legal action, so she cannot elaborate on exactly how the book was edited with AI.
Hachette stated that it requires all submissions to be original and asks authors to disclose any use of AI during the writing process.
The incident highlights the growing challenge for the publishing industry as AI becomes more widespread and publishers seek self-published books that may be commercially successful.
Most publishing contracts prohibit AI-generated content, while some publishers have established policies or detection measures.
Many readers and authors remain strongly opposed to AI-generated writing, pointing out its dishonesty and the threat it poses to creative expression.
• Juliet La Sala can be reached at jlasala@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.