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A pair of acclaimed New Zealand writers have had their books disqualified from consideration for the nation's esteemed literature prize due to the use of AI in creating their book covers.

Exclusion Details

Stephanie Johnson's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's short novel collection "Angel Train" were entered for the Ockham 2026 literary prizes and its NZ$65,000 fiction award in the tenth month, but were ruled out the following month because of recently introduced rules concerning AI use.

The publisher of both titles, the publisher, explained that the prize committee updated the guidelines in the eighth month, by which point the covers for every entered book would have previously been completed.

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

Writers' Responses

The author voiced understanding for the prize administrators, stating she shares deep concerns about AI in artistic industries, but was disappointed by the ruling.

“It would be untrue to claim I am not upset by this,” 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 added that authors usually have minimal input in book artwork and was unaware AI had been employed for her cover, which features a feline with human-like dentition.

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

The writer worried that readers might think she employed artificial intelligence to write her book, which she emphatically denied.

“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 spent considerable time creating her publication's cover, which includes a steam train and an celestial figure partially hidden by smoke, inspired by artist the artist's imagery.

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

Award Trust's Stance

The trust chair, head of the award foundation that administers the Ockham awards, said the trust takes a strong position on the use 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 said.

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

The decision to revise the artificial intelligence guidelines was motivated by a aim to support the creative and copyright interests of the nation's writers and illustrators, she explained.

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

Publishing Reflections

The publisher noted that publishing houses and writers often employ tools like Grammarly and Photoshop, which utilize AI, and this situation highlighted the pressing need for well-defined guidelines.

“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 been jurors for categories of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that cover designs receive minimal consideration during judging.

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

The use of AI in artistic sectors has encountered growing scrutiny as the tech advances, with some groups developing ways to counter its influence.