Nigerian author Jerry Falade has lost a major publishing deal worth over $2 million after allegations surfaced that artificial intelligence may have been used in the creation of his debut crime novel, Call Me, I’ll Hide the Body. The book, which had attracted bids from fourteen publishers and secured a deal with Macmillan U.S.’s Minotaur imprint for 2028 release, was pulled from sale following concerns about its authenticity. Falade’s literary agents cited an inability to verify the manuscript’s origin as the reason for withdrawing it, despite initial confidence in its human-authored nature.
In a statement, Marc Gerald expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging the book’s brilliance regardless of its origins. “The book itself is genius—however it came to be drafted, it’s amazing,” he said. He also admitted the agency felt terrible for launching the manuscript into the public eye and sparking a controversy that quickly spiraled out of control. Despite the high praise from industry professionals, the lack of verifiable proof became the critical factor in ending the partnership.
Falade has firmly denied using AI in writing or editing the novel. He pointed to systemic biases, arguing that Black authors face disproportionate scrutiny when their work gains international attention. “There seems to be a troubling assumption that when a Black writer produces work that attracts significant attention, the work could not possibly be their own,” he stated. He contrasted this with white authors who have openly admitted using AI without facing similar consequences.
He also highlighted the unreliability of AI-detection tools, noting they are known to produce false positives. Falade emphasized that the manuscript had passed multiple professional reviews and that seasoned publishing houses would have identified clear signs of AI if they existed. His case follows similar incidents involving Black authors Mia Ballard and HM Wolfe, who also lost deals earlier this year under comparable circumstances.
The fallout underscores growing tensions in the publishing world over AI ethics, authorship, and racial bias. As technology reshapes creative industries, questions about transparency, trust, and fairness continue to challenge writers, agents, and publishers alike. The future of literary authenticity remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the conversation around AI and authorship is far from over.
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