A proposed $2m (£1.5m) publishing deal for Jerry Falade’s debut crime novel has collapsed after his agents said they could no longer verify how the manuscript was developed. The withdrawal of Call Me, I’ll Hide the Body highlights growing uncertainty in publishing over suspected use of artificial intelligence and how agencies should investigate it.

The novel had attracted a reported 14-way US auction, with Minotaur expected to publish it in 2028, while several six-figure UK bids were also reportedly secured. Falade denies using AI and argues that the reaction reflects racial bias, noting that other Black authors have recently faced similar allegations; his agency ended its representation after saying parts of his account changed during discussions.