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

Disqualification Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the 2026 Ockham literary prizes and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel prize in October, but were disqualified the following month due to recently introduced rules regarding AI use.

The publisher of both titles, Quentin Wilson, explained that the awards organizers amended the criteria in August, by which time the covers for all entered book would have previously been completed.

“It was, therefore, far too late for any publisher to have taken this clause into account in their design briefs,” Wilson noted.

Writers' Responses

The author expressed sympathy for the prize administrators, stating she has serious worries about artificial intelligence in creative industries, but was disappointed by the decision.

“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.”

She further stated that writers typically have minimal input in cover artwork and was did not know AI had been employed for her book cover, which features a cat with human-like 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 AI-generated images.

The writer feared that readers might assume she used artificial intelligence to compose her work, which she emphatically 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, Smither said that the artists devoted considerable time crafting her publication's art, which features a steam train and an celestial figure partially hidden by smoke, inspired by painter Marc Chagall's figures.

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

Prize Committee's Stance

The trust chair, chair of the award foundation that administers the Ockham awards, affirmed the organization maintains a “firm stance on the application 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 decision to amend the AI guidelines was motivated by a aim 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.”

Industry Reflections

The publisher noted that publishing houses and writers regularly employ tools like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which utilize artificial intelligence, and this situation highlighted the urgent requirement for carefully crafted policies.

“Our industry must collaborate to prevent a recurrence of this scenario.”

Both Elizabeth Smither and Johnson have in the past served as judges for sections of the Ockham awards, and both emphasized that covers receive minimal consideration during evaluation.

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

The application of AI in artistic sectors has faced growing scrutiny as the tech progresses, with some organizations creating ways to counter its influence.