The publications of Shy Girl by U.S. author Mia Ballard have been cancelled by U.S. and UK publisher imprints amid concerns that AI was used to help write it. The book, which was originally self-published in Februray 2025 was set to be published next month in the U.S. (Orbit) and in November (Wildfire) in the UK, however, publisher Hachette which runs both imprints has said that these releases will no longer go ahead.
Ballard denies any use of AI to write the book but told the New York Times, which first reported the story, that an acquittance she hired to edit the original self-published version of the novel had used AI to do the job. According to the New York Times, this story marks the first time that a commercial novel from a major publishing house has been cancelled due to evidence of AI usage.
One reviewer on the Goodreads website said: “I am quite certain that this was written by ChatGPT. As an editor, I’ve read a few specifically ChatGPT written books, and this has not only all the hallmarks, but some specific repeated phrases that I’ve read in other ChatGPT works.” While other readers noted “bizarre” formatting, typos, repetitive turns of phrase, and plot/ character development choices that made no sense.
Ballard has said she is pursuing legal action over the accusations and cancelled publications, stating: “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.”
Speaking on their decision to pull both publish dates, the publisher said: “Hachette remains committed to protecting original creative expression and storytelling.”
