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Two acclaimed Kiwi writers have had their works excluded from consideration for the nation's prestigious literary award due to the utilization of AI in designing their book covers.

Disqualification Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella set "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel prize in October, but were disqualified the next thirty days due to recently introduced rules concerning AI use.

The publisher of both titles, Quentin Wilson, explained that the prize organizers updated the guidelines in August, by which time the covers for every entered book would have previously been finalized.

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

Writers' Reactions

The author expressed sympathy for the award administrators, stating she shares deep concerns about AI in creative fields, but was disappointed 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 minimal input in book design and was unaware artificial intelligence had been employed for her cover, which displays a feline with human teeth.

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

The writer worried that readers might think she employed 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 said that the designers spent considerable time crafting her book's cover, which features a steam train and an angel partially hidden by smoke, inspired by painter the artist's figures.

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

Prize Committee's Position

The trust chair, chair of the book awards trust that administers the prizes, affirmed the organization takes a “firm stance on the use of artificial intelligence in books.”

“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 revise the AI guidelines was motivated by a desire to support the artistic and intellectual property interests of the country's authors and illustrators, she added.

“With artificial intelligence advancing, the trust may need to review and refine these criteria in the future.”

Publishing Reflections

The publisher pointed out that publishing houses and authors often use tools like Grammarly and image editors, which utilize AI, and this incident underscored 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 previously been jurors for sections of the Ockham awards, and both emphasized that covers get minimal consideration during judging.

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

The use of AI in creative sectors has encountered increasing scrutiny as the technology progresses, with some groups developing methods to counter its influence.