Nigerian author Jerry Falade has lost a publishing agreement reportedly worth more than $2 million after concerns were raised that artificial intelligence may have been used in writing or editing his debut crime novel, Call Me, I’ll Hide the Body.

The novel, scheduled for publication in 2028, had attracted interest from 14 publishing houses, with Macmillan U.S.’s Minotaur imprint reportedly winning the rights after a competitive bidding process.

Agents Withdraw Manuscript

Falade’s literary agents later withdrew the manuscript from the deal, stating they could no longer verify that artificial intelligence was not involved in the book’s development.

In a message sent to publishers, the agents explained that they had initially accepted Falade’s assurance that the manuscript was written and edited without AI. However, they later concluded they could no longer authenticate how the work evolved from its original draft to the final version.

Marc Gerald of Europa Content, which managed the U.S. auction, said concerns were first raised by one of the acquiring editors.

The agency said it initially accepted Falade’s explanation without relying on AI-detection software but ended its relationship with the author on July 29 after concluding that aspects of his account had changed.

Falade Denies AI Use

Falade has denied using artificial intelligence in creating the novel.

He argued that Black authors are disproportionately targeted with AI-related allegations when their work begins to attract international recognition.

The writer also noted that some white authors have openly admitted using AI-assisted tools without facing similar consequences.

He further cited U.S.-based Black authors Mia Ballard and HM Wolfe, who also lost publishing deals earlier this year following allegations of AI use.

Falade maintained that AI-detection tools are prone to false positives and insisted that experienced publishing professionals who reviewed his manuscript would have identified any genuine misuse of artificial intelligence.