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Two acclaimed New Zealand writers have had their books excluded from contention for the nation's prestigious literary award due to the utilization of AI in creating their book covers.

Disqualification Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's short novel collection "Angel Train" were entered for the 2026 Ockham literary prizes and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar fiction prize in October, but were disqualified the following month due to recently introduced guidelines concerning AI use.

The publisher of both books, the publisher, explained that the awards committee amended the guidelines in the eighth month, by which time the cover designs for all entered book would have already been completed.

“It was, therefore, far too late for any publisher to have taken this clause into account in their design briefs,” Wilson noted.

Authors' Reactions

Johnson voiced understanding for the award organizers, saying she shares deep concerns about AI in artistic fields, but was disappointed by the ruling.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it,” she remarked. “This marks my 22nd publication and my fourth short story anthology. These tales … were composed over roughly two decades, making this a particularly significant work for me.”

She added that authors usually have little input in cover design and was unaware AI had been employed for her book cover, which displays a cat with human-like teeth.

“I believed it was an actual cat photo with superimposed teeth, but that was not the case,” the author explained, noting that unlike younger age groups, she finds it difficult to identify computer-created graphics.

The writer worried that the public might think she used AI to compose her work, which she emphatically denied.

“Instead of talking about my book … and what the inspiration was, we are talking about bloody AI, which I hate.”

In a comment, Smither expressed that the designers devoted hours crafting her book's cover, which includes a steam train and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by painter the artist's figures.

“My primary concern is for the designers: their careful, detailed work … is not being respected,” Smither stated.

Prize Committee's Position

Nicola Legat, head of the book awards trust that administers the Ockham awards, said the organization maintains a “firm stance on the use of artificial intelligence in books.”

“The trust does not take lightly a decision that prevents the latest works of two of New Zealand’s most esteemed writers from being considered for the 2026 award,” she said.

“However, the criteria apply to all entrants, regardless of their mana [status], and must be consistently applied to all.”

The move to revise the AI guidelines was motivated by a aim to protect the artistic and copyright interests of the country's authors and illustrators, she added.

“With artificial intelligence advancing, the trust may need to review and refine these criteria in the future.”

Industry Considerations

Wilson pointed out that publishing houses and writers often employ software like grammar checkers and image editors, which utilize AI, and this incident highlighted the urgent need for well-defined policies.

“Our industry must collaborate to prevent a recurrence of this scenario.”

Both Elizabeth Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past served as judges for sections of the prizes, and both stressed that covers get little attention during judging.

“The contents and the close reading were everything,” Smither said.

The use of AI in artistic fields has faced growing scrutiny as the technology advances, with some organizations creating methods to counter its influence.