Entertainment · Books & Arts · 2 hrs ago
Quebec publisher ends relationship with author over alleged AI use
Quebec publisher Éditions du Boréal is ending its relationship with Thélyson Orélien, a Quebec author.
The publisher says new information indicates AI was used to write his novel, *C’était ça ou mourir*, published earlier this year.
Orélien has denied using AI to write the book, though he has said he used it for research.
The allegations surfaced on social media in September.
The publisher will not reprint the novel or publish more of his books, following its earlier assurances from Orélien that he had not used AI to create it.
The novel had won the Prix du Roman Fnac and been nominated for several major French literary awards.
Éditions du Boréal is ending its professional relationship with Quebec author Thélyson Orélien over alleged artificial intelligence use in his debut novel.
The publisher says new information and document metadata indicate AI was used in the writing process.
It will not reprint C’était ça ou mourir or publish any further books by Orélien.
Orélien has denied using AI to write the book but said he used it for research.
The novel won the Prix du Roman Fnac and was nominated for several major French literary awards.
- Who
- Éditions du Boréal and author Thélyson Orélien.
- What
- The publisher is ending its professional relationship with Orélien and says it will not reprint his novel or publish more of his books.
- When
- The publisher announced the decision on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026.
- Where
- Quebec, Canada.
- Why
- The publisher says new information indicates AI was used in writing the novel; Orélien denies using AI to write it.
Éditions du Boréal
Thélyson Orélien
AI use in the novel
Éditions du Boréal
The publisher says new information and document metadata indicate AI was used in the writing process.
Thélyson Orélien
Orélien denies using AI to write the book, though he says he used it for research.
C’était ça ou mourir was published.
Allegations that AI was used in the book emerged on social media.
The publisher says new information indicating AI use was confirmed.
Éditions du Boréal announced it was ending its professional relationship with Orélien.
- Author
- Thélyson Orélien
- Publisher
- Éditions du Boréal
- Novel
- C’était ça ou mourir
- Award
- Prix du Roman Fnac
- Decision
- The publisher will not reprint the novel or publish further books by Orélien
3 sources
What people are saying
Consequently, Boréal will not reprint the novel, nor will it publish any further books by Thélyson Orélien,