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Two acclaimed Kiwi authors have had their works disqualified from consideration for the nation's esteemed literature award because of the utilization of artificial intelligence in designing their cover art.

Exclusion Details

Stephanie Johnson's story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's short novel set "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 literary prizes and its NZ$65,000 novel prize in the tenth month, but were ruled out the following month due to new rules concerning artificial intelligence usage.

The publishing house of the two titles, the publisher, explained that the awards organizers amended the guidelines in the eighth month, by which point the covers for all entered book would have already been finalized.

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

Authors' Responses

The author voiced sympathy for the prize administrators, saying she shares deep concerns about AI in artistic fields, but was disappointed by the ruling.

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

She added that writers typically have little input in cover design and was unaware artificial intelligence had been used for her book cover, which features a feline with human-like dentition.

“I believed it was an actual cat photo with superimposed teeth, but that was not the case,” Johnson said, adding that unlike more tech-savvy generations, she finds it difficult to recognize computer-created graphics.

Johnson worried that the public might assume she used artificial intelligence to write her work, which she categorically 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 artists spent hours creating her publication's art, which includes a locomotive and an celestial figure partially hidden by smoke, influenced by artist Marc Chagall's imagery.

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

Prize Committee's Position

Nicola Legat, chair of the award foundation that administers the prizes, said the organization maintains a strong position 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.

“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 aim to support the artistic and intellectual property 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.”

Industry Reflections

The publisher noted that publishers and authors often use tools like Grammarly and Photoshop, which utilize artificial intelligence, and this incident highlighted the urgent requirement 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 little attention during judging.

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

The use of AI in artistic fields has encountered growing examination as the tech progresses, with some organizations developing methods to counter its impact.