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Two acclaimed Kiwi authors have had their books disqualified from consideration for the nation's prestigious literary award because of the utilization of artificial intelligence in creating their book covers.

Exclusion Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's short novel set "Angel Train" were entered for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its NZ$65,000 novel prize in the tenth month, but were disqualified the following month due to new rules concerning AI use.

The publisher of the two books, Quentin Wilson, explained that the prize committee updated the guidelines in the eighth month, by which time the covers for all submitted book would have previously been completed.

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

Authors' Responses

Johnson voiced understanding for the award organizers, saying she has serious worries about artificial intelligence in artistic fields, but was disappointed by the ruling.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it,” she commented. “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.”

Johnson further stated that authors typically have little input in cover design and was did not know AI had been used for her cover, which displays a cat with human dentition.

“I just thought it was a photograph of a real cat and the teeth had been superimposed, but apparently it wasn’t,” the author explained, adding that unlike younger generations, she struggles to recognize AI-generated images.

Johnson worried that readers might assume she used artificial intelligence to compose her book, which she emphatically did not do.

“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 considerable time creating her book's cover, which features a steam train and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, influenced by painter the artist's figures.

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

Award Committee's Stance

Nicola Legat, chair of the award foundation that administers the Ockham awards, said the trust maintains a strong position 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 stated.

“Nevertheless, the rules apply equally to every participant, no matter their standing, and must be enforced uniformly.”

The move to amend the AI criteria was driven by a desire to protect the artistic and intellectual property rights of the nation's writers and artists, she explained.

“As AI evolves, there may well be a need for the trust to revisit and develop the criteria further.”

Industry Considerations

The publisher pointed out that publishers and authors regularly employ software like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which utilize AI, and this incident highlighted the urgent requirement for carefully crafted guidelines.

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

Both Elizabeth Smither and Johnson have in the past been jurors for categories of the prizes, and both stressed that covers receive minimal attention during evaluation.

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

The application of artificial intelligence in creative sectors has encountered growing scrutiny as the tech progresses, with some groups developing methods to address its impact.