Nigerian author loses $2m book deal over AI writing allegations

Nigerian author Jerry Falade has lost a publishing deal worth more than $2 million after allegations emerged that artificial intelligence may have been used in the writing or editing of his debut novel, Call Me, I’ll Hide the Body.

The crime novel, which was scheduled for publication in 2028, had sparked a bidding war involving 14 publishing houses before attracting an offer from Macmillan U.S.’s Minotaur imprint.

However, Falade’s literary agents later withdrew the manuscript from sale, saying they could no longer verify that the work was produced without the use of AI.

In a statement to publishers, the agents said they initially trusted the author’s assurance that artificial intelligence had not been used during the writing or editorial process.

“Jerry Falade produced an incredible manuscript that dazzled us and the top publishing professionals around the world,” the agents said.

They added that although they were impressed by the quality of the novel, they could no longer authenticate how the manuscript evolved from its original draft to its final version.

Marc Gerald of Europa Content, who managed the US rights auction, said concerns about possible AI use first surfaced after an editor raised questions during the submission process. He noted that the agency did not use AI-detection software at the time because Falade’s explanation appeared credible.

Europa Content later severed ties with the author after, according to Gerald, aspects of Falade’s account changed.

“We feel terrible for putting this into the universe and the firestorm it has caused. The book itself is genius—however it came to be drafted, it’s amazing,” Gerald said.

Responding to the allegations, Falade denied using artificial intelligence to write the manuscript and argued that Black authors are often subjected to greater scrutiny when their work gains international recognition.

“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 said.

He also questioned the reliability of AI-detection tools, describing them as prone to false positives, and maintained that the manuscript had passed through several publishing professionals without concerns being raised.

Falade further argued that some white authors have openly acknowledged using AI in parts of their writing process without facing similar consequences.

His case follows similar controversies earlier this year involving two Black American authors, Mia Ballard and HM Wolfe, whose publishing deals were also affected by allegations of AI-assisted writing.