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Two acclaimed New Zealand authors have had their books disqualified from consideration for the country's esteemed literature prize due to the utilization of artificial intelligence in creating their book covers.

Exclusion Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's novella set "Angel Train" were submitted for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel prize in the tenth month, but were ruled out the following month due to new guidelines concerning artificial intelligence use.

The publisher of both books, the publisher, stated that the prize organizers amended the criteria in the eighth month, by which time the cover designs for every entered title would have already been finalized.

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

Authors' Reactions

The author voiced sympathy for the award organizers, stating she has deep concerns about artificial intelligence in creative industries, but was let down by the decision.

“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.”

She further stated that writers typically have little involvement in book design and was unaware AI had been employed for her book cover, which displays a cat with human dentition.

“I believed it was an actual cat photo with superimposed teeth, but that was not the case,” Johnson explained, noting that unlike younger generations, she struggles to recognize computer-created images.

The writer worried that readers might assume she employed artificial intelligence to compose her work, 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 said that the designers spent considerable time crafting her book's art, which features a steam train and an celestial figure partially hidden by smoke, inspired by artist Marc Chagall's imagery.

“It is them I am most concerned about: that their meticulous work … is being disrespected,” Smither remarked.

Prize Trust's Stance

The trust chair, head of the book awards trust that administers the prizes, affirmed the trust maintains a “firm stance on the application of artificial intelligence in publications.”

“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,” Legat said.

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

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

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

Publishing Reflections

Wilson pointed out that publishers and writers often employ tools like grammar checkers and image editors, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this situation highlighted the pressing requirement for carefully crafted policies.

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

Both Smither and Johnson have previously been jurors for sections of the Ockham awards, and both emphasized that cover designs get minimal consideration during judging.

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

The application of artificial intelligence in creative fields has encountered increasing examination as the tech progresses, with some groups creating ways to counter its influence.