Novels under AI suspicion: Tunisia's legal void causes concern

Tunisia's publishing industry faces growing unease as two major novels were withdrawn from sale in 2026 amid suspicions of artificial intelligence use. The international incidents have highlighted a significant gap in Tunisia's ethical framework for dealing with AI in literature.

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According to an email sent to international publishers and consulted by the specialized press, Gerald explained that he could no longer authenticate how the manuscript had evolved from its initial conception to its finished form.

In July 2026, literary agent Marc Gerald withdrew the manuscript for Jerry Falade's crime novel, *Call Me, I'll Hide the Body*, from the market. The book had attracted a $2.4 million bid from 14 publishing houses, with Minotaur eventually securing the rights. HarperCollins also obtained UK rights, and Hollywood studios were in talks for screen adaptations. Gerald cited an inability to authenticate the manuscript's evolution from conception to completion, though he clarified his decision was not based on AI detection software, which he deemed unreliable.

Falade vehemently denies using AI to write his book. He told the Wall Street Journal he used an open-source AI model locally for research, particularly on sensitive topics like chemicals that can dissolve a human body, a central theme of his novel. Falade also claims he has faced inequitable treatment as a Black writer, with contracts for three other major deals involving authors of African descent being canceled or suspended over similar AI suspicions.

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Falade, for his part, categorically denies having used AI to write his book.

Four months earlier, in March 2026, Hachette canceled the US release of Mia Ballard's horror novel, *Shy Girl*, and halted its UK distribution. Initially self-published in February 2025 and later acquired by Hachette, the book had gained traction through BookTok. The cancellation followed a New York Times investigation that presented Hachette with evidence suggesting AI use. This case is reportedly the first instance of a major publishing group withdrawing a novel for this reason. A Hachette spokesperson stated the company remains committed to protecting original creative expression and narrative integrity.

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The company remains committed to protecting original creative expression and narrative integrity.