The Shy Girl cancellation raises questions nobody seems to be asking

Hachette’s cancellation of Mia Ballard’s contract due to AI accusations has raised questions about the review process and AI detection tools. The timeline of Hachette’s decision, following contact from the New York Times, suggests a PR response rather than a thorough review. AI detection tools flag patterns correlating with AI output, but these patterns can also appear in edited prose or formal writing. The author points out that Hachette’s policy requires authors to disclose AI use, but does not prohibit AI assistance. The contractual gap regarding third-party AI use, such as by developmental editors, places liability on the author. The acquisition of a self-published novel with pre-existing controversies also raises questions about the editorial process.

  • Hachette described their decision as the result of a thorough and lengthy review. That review concluded one day after the New York Times contacted them with questions. That’s not a review. That’s a PR response.
  • Hachette requires authors to disclose AI use. It does not prohibit AI-assisted work.
  • Publishing contracts ask authors to disclose AI use. If a developmental editor, sensitivity reader, or proofreader uses AI without telling the author, the author bears full liability.
📚 BookAddict’s Take: If you’re considering traditional publishing, pay close attention to AI clauses in contracts and how third-party AI use is handled.

Source: Reddit r/publishing  | 
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