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Two acclaimed New Zealand writers have had their works disqualified from contention for the country's esteemed literary prize because of the utilization of AI in creating their book covers.

Exclusion Details

Stephanie Johnson's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella set "Angel Train" were entered for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar fiction award in October, but were ruled out the following thirty days due to new rules regarding artificial intelligence usage.

The publishing house of both books, the publisher, stated that the awards organizers amended the guidelines in the eighth month, by which time the cover designs for every entered title would have previously been finalized.

“Consequently, it was much too late for publishers to incorporate this new rule into their design plans,” Wilson said.

Authors' Reactions

Johnson voiced sympathy for the prize organizers, stating she has serious worries about AI in artistic industries, but was disappointed by the ruling.

“It would be untrue to claim I am not upset by this,” she remarked. “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.”

She further stated that writers typically have little involvement in cover artwork and was did not know AI had been used for her book cover, which features a feline 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,” Johnson explained, adding that unlike younger age groups, she finds it difficult to identify computer-created images.

Johnson feared that readers might think she employed artificial intelligence to write her work, which she categorically 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 statement, Elizabeth Smither expressed that the artists devoted hours creating her book's cover, which includes a steam train and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by artist the artist's imagery.

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

Award Committee's Position

The trust chair, head 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 said.

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

The decision to amend the AI guidelines was motivated by a desire to protect the artistic and copyright interests 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.”

Publishing Considerations

Wilson pointed out that publishing houses and authors regularly use tools like Grammarly and image editors, which incorporate AI, and this situation highlighted the urgent requirement for well-defined guidelines.

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

Both Elizabeth Smither and Johnson have previously served as judges for categories of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that covers receive little consideration during evaluation.

“The text itself and its detailed analysis were all that mattered,” the author concluded.

The use of AI in creative sectors has encountered growing scrutiny as the technology progresses, with some organizations creating ways to address its impact.