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A pair of acclaimed New Zealand authors have had their books disqualified from consideration for the country's prestigious literary prize because of the use of AI in designing their book covers.

Exclusion Details

Stephanie Johnson's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's novella collection "Angel Train" were entered for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar fiction prize in the tenth month, but were ruled out the next month due to recently introduced rules concerning AI use.

The publishing house of both books, the publisher, stated that the prize committee amended the guidelines in the eighth month, by which point the covers for every submitted book would have previously been finalized.

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

Writers' Reactions

The author expressed sympathy for the prize administrators, stating she shares serious worries about artificial intelligence in artistic fields, but was disappointed by the decision.

“It would be untrue to claim I am not upset by this,” she remarked. “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.”

Johnson further stated that authors usually have minimal involvement in cover artwork and was did not know artificial intelligence had been employed for her book cover, which features a cat 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,” the author said, noting that unlike more tech-savvy generations, she struggles to identify AI-generated graphics.

The writer worried that readers might assume she used artificial intelligence to write 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 said that the designers devoted considerable time crafting her publication's cover, which includes a steam train and an celestial figure partially hidden by smoke, influenced by painter Marc Chagall's figures.

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

Award Trust's Stance

The trust chair, chair of the book awards trust that administers the prizes, affirmed the organization maintains a “firm stance 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.

“However, the criteria apply to all entrants, regardless of their mana [status], and must be consistently applied to all.”

The move to amend the AI guidelines was driven by a desire to protect the artistic and intellectual property interests of the nation's authors and artists, she explained.

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

Publishing Considerations

The publisher pointed out that publishing houses and writers regularly employ software like grammar checkers and image editors, which utilize artificial intelligence, 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 Johnson have in the past served as judges for categories of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that covers receive minimal consideration during judging.

“The contents and the close reading were everything,” the author said.

The application of AI in creative sectors has faced growing examination as the technology progresses, with some groups creating ways to address its impact.