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Two acclaimed Kiwi authors have had their books disqualified from contention for the country's prestigious literary prize due to the use of AI in creating their book covers.

Disqualification Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's short novel set "Angel Train" were entered for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its NZ$65,000 fiction prize in October, but were disqualified the next thirty days because of new guidelines regarding artificial intelligence usage.

The publishing house of the two books, Quentin Wilson, explained that the awards committee updated the criteria in August, by which time the cover designs for all entered book 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,” Wilson said.

Writers' Reactions

Johnson expressed understanding for the prize administrators, stating she has deep concerns about artificial intelligence in artistic industries, but was let down by the decision.

“It would be untrue to claim I am not upset by this,” 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 further stated that writers typically have little input in book design and was unaware AI had been used for her cover, which displays a feline with human dentition.

“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 struggles to recognize AI-generated images.

The writer feared that readers might think she employed artificial intelligence to compose 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 comment, Smither said that the artists devoted considerable time creating her book's art, which includes a steam train and an angel partially hidden by smoke, influenced by artist Marc Chagall's imagery.

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

Prize Trust's Stance

Nicola Legat, head of the award foundation that oversees the Ockham awards, said the trust maintains a strong position on the application of artificial intelligence 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.

“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 aim to support the creative and copyright rights of the country'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 Reflections

The publisher pointed out that publishing houses and authors often use tools like Grammarly and Photoshop, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this situation highlighted the urgent need for carefully crafted guidelines.

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

Both Elizabeth Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past served as judges for categories of the prizes, and both stressed that covers receive little consideration during evaluation.

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

The use of AI in creative fields has faced growing scrutiny as the technology advances, with some organizations developing ways to address its influence.