Jerry Falade’s unpublished debut novel, Call Me, I’ll Hide the Body, has seen its international rights submissions pulled by Hodgman Literary following questions over the use of artificial intelligence in the manuscript, according to industry sources. The thriller, which follows a protagonist named Femi Johnson who transitions from a cleaner in Lagos, Nigeria, to pursuing a chemistry PhD in Houston before working for a cartel operator, had previously secured a $2.4 million deal with Minotaur/Macmillan Publishers for the book and a follow-up.
Copyright Hurdles and AI Infiltration in Publishing
Publishers and movie companies face significant legal hurdles regarding copyright registration when artificial intelligence is involved in a manuscript’s creation. According to industry analysis, because AI-assisted copy typically amalgamates multiple copyrighted works, obtaining a clear title chain becomes difficult. Rights buyers risk having no more legal protection than someone publishing a public domain work. While publishers routinely ask authors whether they used AI tools, and all parties initially proceeded in good faith following assurances from Falade, subsequent scrutiny during global rights and film negotiations raised red flags for censors.
Europa Content Pulls International Submissions
On Thursday, Sandy Hodgman of Hodgman Literary, which sells foreign rights for Europa Content, formally withdrew the novel from eager international publishers. In an email secured by Deadline, Hodgman stated that while Falade produced a dazzling manuscript, the agency can no longer authenticate how the work evolved from origin to completion. Despite initially vetting the manuscript with the author and trusting his reassurance that no AI resources were used during writing or editorial processes, Hodgman Literary apologized to publishing partners and stated they can no longer substantiate those claims.
Impact on Film and Global Rights Momentum
The sudden halt affects ongoing efforts by UTA and Europa Content, which gained substantial momentum following the major U.S. deal with Minotaur/Macmillan. According to industry reports, rebuilding that global momentum could prove difficult even if proper assurances are eventually provided. The manuscript’s premise—centering on a complex protagonist utilizing his skills across Lagos and Houston—had initially sparked fierce competition among international publishers and film rights buyers before the abrupt application of the brakes.
Did you know?
United States copyright law currently requires human authorship for a work to be eligible for copyright registration, creating strict barriers for projects involving AI-generated text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the book Call Me, I’ll Hide the Body pulled from submission?
Hodgman Literary withdrew the manuscript from international publishers because they could no longer authenticate how the text evolved or substantiate earlier assurances that AI tools were not used during its creation.
Who published the initial U.S. deal for Jerry Falade’s novel?
Minotaur/Macmillan Publishers secured the initial U.S. deal, valued at $2.4 million for the debut novel and a follow-up, according to industry sources.
What are the main copyright concerns regarding AI in publishing?
Works containing AI-generated components complicate copyright registration and clear title chains because AI copy often amalgamates other copyrighted materials, leaving buyers with questionable legal protection.
What are your thoughts on how publishers are handling AI-assisted manuscripts? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.
d, without any additional comments or text.
[/gpt3]
Keep reading