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

Exclusion Details

Stephanie Johnson's story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's novella set "Angel Train" were submitted for the 2026 Ockham literary prizes and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar fiction prize in the tenth month, but were ruled out the next thirty days because of new rules regarding AI usage.

The publisher of both books, the publisher, stated that the awards committee amended the criteria in the eighth month, by which time the cover designs for all 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' Responses

Johnson expressed sympathy for the award organizers, stating she shares deep concerns about AI in artistic industries, but was let down 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.”

She added that authors usually have little input in book artwork and was unaware AI had been employed for her cover, which features a feline with human dentition.

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

The writer feared that readers might assume she employed 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 comment, Elizabeth Smither expressed that the designers spent considerable time creating her book's art, which features a steam train and an celestial figure “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by painter the artist's imagery.

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

Prize Trust's Position

Nicola Legat, head of the award foundation that oversees the prizes, said the trust takes a strong position on the application of AI 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,” she stated.

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

The move to revise the artificial intelligence criteria was motivated by a aim to support the creative and intellectual property rights of the nation's authors and illustrators, she added.

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

Publishing Reflections

The publisher pointed out that publishers and writers regularly employ software like Grammarly and Photoshop, which utilize artificial intelligence, and this situation underscored the pressing need for carefully crafted guidelines.

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

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

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

The application of AI in artistic fields has encountered increasing scrutiny as the technology advances, with some organizations creating methods to counter its impact.