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Two award-winning Kiwi authors have had their books disqualified from contention for the nation's prestigious literary prize due to the utilization of AI in designing their cover art.

Exclusion Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's novella set "Angel Train" were entered for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel award in October, but were disqualified the next thirty days due to recently introduced rules regarding artificial intelligence use.

The publisher of the two titles, the publisher, explained that the prize organizers updated the criteria in August, by which time the covers for every submitted title 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 administrators, stating she has serious worries 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 commented. “It’s my 22nd book, and it is my fourth collection of short stories. These stories … were written over a sort of 20 year period, so for me, it’s quite an important book.”

Johnson further stated that authors usually have little involvement in cover design and was unaware artificial intelligence had been employed for her cover, which features a feline with human teeth.

“I believed it was an actual cat photo with superimposed teeth, but that was not the case,” Johnson explained, adding that unlike more tech-savvy age groups, she finds it difficult to identify AI-generated graphics.

Johnson worried that readers might think she used artificial intelligence to compose her work, which she categorically did not do.

“Rather than discussing my book's themes and inspirations, we're focused on this AI issue, which I despise.”

In a statement, Elizabeth Smither said that the designers spent considerable time creating her publication's art, which includes a steam train and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, influenced by artist Marc Chagall's figures.

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

Award Committee's Position

The trust chair, head of the award foundation that oversees the Ockham awards, affirmed the trust takes a strong position on the application of artificial intelligence in books.”

“We do not make such a decision lightly, one that bars the newest works by two of New Zealand's most respected authors from the 2026 prize,” Legat said.

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

The decision to amend the artificial intelligence guidelines was motivated by a desire to protect the creative and intellectual property rights of the nation's authors and artists, she added.

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

Industry Considerations

Wilson noted that publishing houses and authors regularly use software like Grammarly and Photoshop, which utilize artificial intelligence, and this situation underscored the pressing need for well-defined policies.

“As an industry, we must work together to ensure that this situation does not happen again.”

Both Elizabeth Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past served as judges for sections of the Ockham awards, and both emphasized that covers receive little attention during evaluation.

“The text itself and its detailed analysis were all that mattered,” Smither said.

The application of artificial intelligence in artistic fields has faced growing examination as the technology progresses, with some organizations creating methods to counter its influence.