Industry & Advocacy News

In Memoriam: Nelson DeMille (1943-2024)

In Memoriam

September 23, 2024

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Photo courtesy of Alex DeMille

The Authors Guild mourns the loss of Nelson DeMille, a dedicated member for forty-three years, up until his passing on September 17, 2024, at the age of 81.

DeMille’s career as an author began in 1974 with the publication of The Sniper, the first in his Joe Ryker series, later republished under the pseudonym Jack Cannon. It was, however, his 1978 novel By the Rivers of Babylon that marked his breakthrough, establishing him as a formidable voice in the realm of suspense and thriller fiction.

Throughout his career, DeMille authored more than thirty novels and numerous short stories. His John Corey series, beginning with Plum Island in 1997, captivated readers worldwide, while The General’s Daughter also achieved acclaim when it was adapted into a successful film starring John Travolta.

DeMille’s contributions to the thriller genre were widely recognized, culminating in being named ThrillerMaster of the Year by the International Thriller Writers in 2015. This accolade was a testament to his enduring impact on the field and his ability to consistently deliver gripping and thought-provoking narratives.

Beyond his personal success, DeMille was deeply invested in nurturing the literary community. He served as president of the Mystery Writers of America and held multiple honorary doctorates from New York colleges, reflecting the high esteem in which he was held both as a writer and as a mentor to aspiring authors.

DeMille’s impact on the literary world extended beyond his writing. His novel The Gold Coast became the center of a significant legal case, Randall v. DeMille, that helped establish an important precedent for authors’ rights. In a $5 million libel suit, DeMille and his publisher, Warner Books, Inc., were sued by a plaintiff who claimed a character in the novel was based on her. The New York court’s dismissal of this case before trial was part of an important line of libel-in-fiction decisions won by authors and publishers that reinforced authors’ First Amendment rights and their ability to draw inspiration from real-life experiences without fear of legal repercussions. The fact that fictional characters share only certain characteristics, even unusual ones, with real people known to the author is not enough to support a defamation claim, allowing authors and publishers to have claims dismissed before legal fees accumulate and deterring others from bringing such claims.

A loyal, active supporter of the Authors Guild Foundation, DeMille was always a lively presence at the Foundation’s galas. His commitment to supporting fellow authors and defending their rights was as much a part of his legacy as his gripping novels. 

Nelson DeMille’s contributions to literature and his advocacy for authors’ rights have left an indelible mark on the literary world. He will be deeply missed, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.