A high-profile publishing deal for debut crime novelist Jerry Falade has collapsed after doubts emerged over whether artificial intelligence played a role in writing his manuscript, Call Me, I’ll Hide the Body, according to reports from the Bookseller and the Guardian. The hotly anticipated book was withdrawn from sale by its agent despite reportedly receiving an offer for more than $2m (£1.5m) from Minotaur, owned by Macmillan US, as part of a 14-way auction.
How the Publishing Deal Collapsed After AI Concerns
The manuscript was pulled from publication plans slated for 2028 after literary agents grew uncertain about its origins. According to an email sent to publishers by Falade’s agents and reviewed by the Guardian, the agency stated: “Jerry Falade produced an incredible manuscript that dazzled us and the top publishing professionals around the world. Unfortunately, we are no longer able to authenticate how the manuscript fully evolved from origin to completion.”
The email further noted that while the agency initially vetted the manuscript for AI use during the submission process and trusted Falade’s assurances, they could no longer substantiate those claims and chose to withdraw the book. The US auction was managed by Marc Gerald of Europa Content, while Sandy Hodgman of Hodgman Literary secured several six-figure bids through a competitive UK process, according to the Bookseller. Both agents were approached for comment by the Guardian.
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Behind the Agent’s Decision to Cut Ties
Gerald told the Bookseller that he first read the book in June, describing it as “stunningly good, everyone fell in love with it. It’s a book that appeals to absolutely everyone.” However, halfway through submissions, an editor raised concerns regarding potential AI indicators in the text. Gerald stated that Europa opted against using AI-detection software, relying instead on Falade’s clear explanations.
The situation shifted following a meeting on July 29, when “aspects of [Falade’s] story changed,” prompting the agency to sever ties due to the “need to have total faith,” according to Gerald. “We feel terrible for putting this into the universe and the firestorm it has caused,” Gerald added. “The book itself is genius – however it came to be drafted, it’s amazing.”
Broader Industry Controversies Over AI in Manuscripts
Falade’s case reflects a broader string of controversies hitting the publishing industry this year as authors, agents, and publishers navigate suspected AI use. Earlier this year, Hachette pulled the US release of Mia Ballard’s horror novel Shy Girl after online rumors circulated regarding AI reliance—allegations that Ballard denies.
In a statement provided to the Guardian, Falade firmly rejected claims that he utilized AI, arguing that the backlash reflects racial bias within the publishing industry. “Three Black authors received major publishing deals this year, and all three later had deals cancelled or disrupted following suspicions about AI,” Falade said. “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. Meanwhile, there are popular white writers who have publicly mentioned using AI for their writing processes and they’re still doing fine.”
While Falade did not name other authors, two Black authors in the US—Ballard and HM Wolfe, author of the viral romance Daggermouth—faced similar AI allegations this year. Wolfe also denies using AI.
Author Defense and Reliability of AI Detection
Detailing the rapid fallout, Falade noted that rumors began circulating and, within six hours, he was dropped by his agency, deals were paused, and press releases were issued. He pointed out that AI-detection tools “are widely known to produce false positives.”
Furthermore, Falade emphasized that the novel had “passed through first readers, second readers, editors, and acquisitions teams at numerous publishing houses… If the manuscript had shown genuine signs of being generated by AI, it is difficult to believe that every one of those experienced professionals would have failed to notice.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Jerry Falade’s book deal cancelled?
His literary agents withdrew the book after stating they could no longer authenticate how the manuscript fully evolved from origin to completion following concerns about potential AI involvement.
Which publishers and agencies were involved in the deal?
The manuscript received an offer exceeding $2m from Minotaur, owned by Macmillan US. The US auction was run by Marc Gerald of Europa Content, while Sandy Hodgman of Hodgman Literary handled the UK process, according to reports.
Has the author responded to the allegations?
Yes, Falade strongly denied using AI in his writing process, criticized the reliability of AI-detection tools, and suggested that the backlash reflects systemic racial bias within the publishing industry.
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