When Mia Ballard’s self-published novel was picked up last June by Hachette Book Group, she probably thought she’d hit the jackpot. Now, she might be wishing she’d never been noticed.
Hachette has canceled the US publication of Ballard’s novel Shy Girl, following allegations that generative AI was used in its writing.
Originally self-published in February 2025, the horror novel was traditionally released by Hachette’s science fiction and fantasy label Orbit in the UK in November. After The New York Times provided evidence of AI usage in Shy Girl on Thursday, Hachette canceled the planned spring US release and removed the book from its website completely.
“Hachette remains committed to protecting original creative expression and storytelling,” the publisher said in a statement to the Times.
Authors are required to disclose to Hachette whether AI was used in the creation of their work. Ballard has denied using AI tools to write the book, claiming an editor was
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