Writer denies it, but publisher pulls horror novel after multiple allegations of AI use

Shy Girl, a horror novel by Mia Ballard, was one of those buzzy books that leapt from self-published prominence into full-on trade publication. Until yesterday, that is, when publisher Hachette pulled the book from the UK market and canceled plans to bring it to the US.

The move came after a New York Times investigation suggested that AI had been used in significant parts of the work.

"If it isn't AI, she's a terrible writer"

Shy Girl was self-published in 2025 and quickly found an audience on social media.