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Two acclaimed Kiwi writers have had their works disqualified from contention for the nation's esteemed literary award because of the utilization of artificial intelligence in designing their book covers.

Exclusion Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's short novel set "Angel Train" were entered for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its NZ$65,000 novel prize in the tenth month, but were ruled out the next month because of recently introduced rules concerning artificial intelligence use.

The publisher of both books, Quentin Wilson, explained that the prize organizers amended the guidelines in August, by which point the covers for all entered title 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.

Authors' Responses

Johnson voiced sympathy for the prize organizers, stating she shares deep concerns 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 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.”

Johnson added that writers typically have little involvement in book design and was unaware artificial intelligence had been used for her cover, which features 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,” the author explained, noting that unlike younger age groups, she finds it difficult to identify computer-created images.

The writer feared that the public might think she employed artificial intelligence to write her book, which she emphatically denied.

“Rather than discussing my book's themes and inspirations, we're focused on this AI issue, which I despise.”

In a statement, Elizabeth Smither said that the designers devoted considerable time crafting her book's art, which features a locomotive and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by artist the artist's imagery.

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

Prize Committee's Position

Nicola Legat, chair of the award foundation that administers the Ockham awards, affirmed the organization 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.

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

The decision to amend the AI guidelines was motivated by a aim to protect the artistic and intellectual property rights of the nation's writers and illustrators, 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 authors regularly employ tools like Grammarly and image editors, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this situation underscored the pressing requirement 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 been jurors for sections of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that cover designs get little consideration during evaluation.

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

The use of artificial intelligence in creative fields has encountered increasing examination as the tech advances, with some organizations creating ways to address its impact.