LONDON: Young British YouTube star Zoella, whose debut novel sold a record number of copies in Britain in its first week, has admitted she had “help” writing the book.

“Girl Online” became the fastest-selling work by a first-time author in Britain since records began in 1998, selling more than 78,000 copies in seven days when it was published last month.

Zoe Sugg, 24, became a YouTube sensation under the pseudonym Zoella when she started a “vlog,” or video blog, in 2009, filled with fashion, beauty and lifestyle tips for young women and girls.

She built up more than six million subscribers and went on to sign a two-book deal with Penguin Random House earlier this year.

Speculation had been mounting, however, that the first book, which tells the story of a teenage blogger and her relationship with a US musician, was ghost-written.

Responding to the claims on Twitter, Zoella wrote: “Everyone needs help when they try something new. The story and the characters of ‘Girl Online’ are mine. I want to thank all of you who have taken the time to support the book.”

A spokesman for publisher Penguin Random House confirmed Monday that “Sugg did not write ‘Girl Online’ on her own.” “For her first novel, ‘Girl Online’, Zoe has worked with an expert editorial team to help her bring to life her characters and experiences in a heartwarming and compelling story,” the spokesman said.