United Kingdom, March 23 -- The release of a horror book has been cancelled amid concerns about AI.

Shy Girl by American author Mia Ballard was originally scheduled for release in April, but the project has now been scrapped altogether after it was suggested that AI was used to help write it.

Ballard has denied using AI to write the book. However, the author has confirmed to the New York Times newspaper that an acquaintance she hired to edit the original version had used the technology.

She said: "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."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Hachette, the publishing company, has told BBC News ...