Hachette Pulls Shy Girl Over Suspected AI Use

Hachette Book Group has cancelled the upcoming US release and will discontinue the UK release of the horror novel *Shy Girl* after reviewing the text for signs of generative AI use. The book was self-published in February 2023 and republished in November in the UK by Hachette imprint Wildfire. UK sales were measured at approximately 1,800 print copies. Speculation arose on platforms including Goodreads and Reddit about whether parts of the novel were generated by AI. Hachette’s Orbit imprint made the decision “after conducting a thorough and lengthy review of the text.” The original cover used on the self-published original was allegedly picked up from Pinterest without permission from the artist. The author denied using AI to write the novel, but stated that an acquaintance she hired to edit the self-published version did use AI.

  • Hachette Book Group has cancelled the upcoming US release and will discontinue the UK release of horror novel Shy Girl by Mia Ballard after reviewing the text for signs of generative AI use.
  • The book was recently subject to several weeks of speculation on platforms including Goodreads and Reddit about whether parts of the novel were generated by AI.
  • The decision by Hachette’s Orbit imprint came “after conducting a thorough and lengthy review of the text.”
📚 BookAddict’s Take: If you’re an author, this situation highlights the importance of understanding AI’s role in the writing and editing process, as well as the necessity of securing proper rights for cover art.

Source: Locus Magazine  | 
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