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Two acclaimed Kiwi writers have had their books disqualified from consideration for the nation's esteemed literature prize because of the use of AI in creating their book covers.

Disqualification Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's novella collection "Angel Train" were entered for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel award in October, but were ruled out the following month due to new rules concerning AI usage.

The publisher of both titles, Quentin Wilson, explained that the awards committee amended the guidelines in August, by which time the covers for every entered book would have already been completed.

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

Writers' Responses

The author expressed sympathy for the award administrators, saying she has deep concerns about AI in creative fields, but was let down by the decision.

“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.”

Johnson added that authors typically have little involvement in cover artwork and was did not know AI had been employed for her cover, which displays a cat 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, noting that unlike younger age groups, she struggles to recognize computer-created graphics.

Johnson feared that readers might assume she used artificial intelligence to compose her book, which she emphatically 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, Smither expressed that the designers devoted hours creating her book's art, which includes a locomotive and an angel partially hidden by smoke, inspired by artist the artist's figures.

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

Prize Trust's Position

The trust chair, head of the book awards trust that oversees the prizes, affirmed the trust maintains a “firm stance on the use of AI in publications.”

“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,” she stated.

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

The move to amend the artificial intelligence guidelines was motivated by a aim to support the artistic and copyright rights of the nation's authors and artists, she added.

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

Publishing Considerations

Wilson noted that publishing houses and authors often employ tools like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this situation highlighted the urgent need for well-defined guidelines.

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

Both Smither and Johnson have previously been jurors for categories of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that cover designs get minimal attention during judging.

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

The application of artificial intelligence in artistic sectors has encountered increasing examination as the tech advances, with some organizations creating ways to counter its impact.