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A pair of acclaimed Kiwi authors have had their books disqualified from contention for the country's prestigious literary award because of the use of artificial intelligence in creating their cover art.

Exclusion Details

Stephanie Johnson's story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella set "Angel Train" were entered for the 2026 Ockham literary prizes and its NZ$65,000 novel prize in October, but were ruled out the following month because of recently introduced guidelines concerning artificial intelligence use.

The publisher of the two titles, the publisher, explained that the awards committee amended the criteria in August, by which point the covers for every submitted 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,” the publisher said.

Authors' Reactions

The author voiced understanding for the prize organizers, saying she has serious worries about artificial intelligence in artistic fields, but was let down by the decision.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it,” 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 further stated that writers typically have little involvement in book artwork and was unaware artificial intelligence had been used for her cover, which displays a feline with human-like teeth.

“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 struggles to recognize computer-created graphics.

The writer feared that the public might think she employed AI to compose her book, 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, Elizabeth Smither expressed that the designers devoted hours crafting her book's cover, which includes a steam train and an angel partially hidden by smoke, inspired by painter the artist's imagery.

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

Award Committee's Position

The trust chair, chair of the award foundation that oversees the Ockham awards, affirmed the organization takes a strong position 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 stated.

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

The decision to amend the AI criteria was driven by a desire to support the artistic and copyright interests of the country's writers 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 publishing houses and writers often use tools like Grammarly and image editors, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this situation highlighted the pressing need for carefully crafted guidelines.

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

Both Smither and Stephanie Johnson have previously served as judges for sections of the prizes, and both emphasized that cover designs get little consideration during evaluation.

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

The application of AI in artistic fields has encountered growing examination as the technology progresses, with some organizations developing ways to address its influence.