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Two acclaimed New Zealand writers have had their works disqualified from consideration for the nation's esteemed literature award because of the use of artificial intelligence in creating their book covers.

Exclusion Particulars

The author's story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella collection "Angel Train" were entered for the 2026 Ockham literary prizes and its NZ$65,000 fiction prize in October, but were disqualified the next thirty days due to recently introduced guidelines concerning AI use.

The publishing house of the two titles, the publisher, explained that the awards organizers amended the guidelines in August, 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,” the publisher said.

Authors' Responses

Johnson voiced understanding for the prize organizers, saying she shares serious worries about AI in creative industries, but was let down by the ruling.

“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 book artwork and was unaware artificial intelligence had been used for her book 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 more tech-savvy generations, she finds it difficult to recognize computer-created images.

Johnson feared that readers might assume she used artificial intelligence to compose her book, which she categorically 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 artists devoted considerable time creating her publication's art, which includes a steam train and an angel partially hidden by smoke, inspired by artist Marc Chagall's figures.

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

Award Trust's Stance

The trust chair, chair of the award foundation that oversees the prizes, said the organization takes a “firm stance on the use of AI 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 move to revise the artificial intelligence criteria was driven by a desire to support the artistic and copyright interests of the nation's writers 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

Wilson pointed out that publishers and writers often employ tools like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which utilize AI, and this situation highlighted the pressing need for well-defined policies.

“As an industry, we must work together to ensure that this situation does not happen again.”

Both Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past served as judges for sections of the prizes, and both emphasized that covers get minimal consideration during judging.

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

The use of AI in creative sectors has encountered growing scrutiny as the technology advances, with some organizations creating ways to counter its impact.