An online battle with renowned "science cop" Fang Zhouzi accusing popular author Han Han of hiring ghostwriters to finish his bestselling novels may end in court.

Han Han (L) and Fang Zhouzi (R) [file photo]

Lu Jinbo, a publisher of Han's books, said the writer had hired a lawyer to prepare a lawsuit against Fang in Shanghai, demanding a public apology and 100,000 yuan (US$15,790) compensation for damaging his reputation.

On January 15, blogger Mai Tian published an article raising questions over whether Han was a self-made "superstar writer" or if he owed his success to ghostwriters. Mai claimed Han, a professional rally driver, wrote many of his books and blogs during periods when he was taking part in driving events.

He questioned whether Han was using ghostwriters to finish his bestselling books when he had to race and he wondered if they could include his publisher or even his father, who is also a writer.

Han, who is one of China's most popular bloggers, responded in an online article saying he would pay 20 million yuan to anyone who had evidence to show he had hired other writers to finish his work.

Mai then deleted his article and apologized.