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Two acclaimed New Zealand writers have had their works excluded from contention for the nation's esteemed literary prize because of the use of AI in creating their book covers.

Disqualification Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's short novel collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its NZ$65,000 novel prize in October, but were ruled out the following month due to recently introduced guidelines regarding AI usage.

The publisher of both titles, the publisher, stated that the awards organizers amended the criteria in August, by which point the covers for all submitted 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

The author voiced sympathy for the prize administrators, stating she has serious worries about AI in creative fields, but was let down by the decision.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it,” 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.”

Johnson further stated that authors typically have little input in cover artwork and was did not know AI had been employed for her book cover, which features a cat with human-like dentition.

“I believed it was an actual cat photo with superimposed teeth, but that was not the case,” Johnson explained, noting that unlike younger age groups, she finds it difficult to recognize AI-generated graphics.

Johnson worried that readers might think she used AI to write her book, which she categorically 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 creating her book's cover, which features a steam train and an celestial figure partially hidden by smoke, inspired by painter the artist's figures.

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

Prize Trust's Position

Nicola Legat, chair of the award foundation that administers the prizes, affirmed the trust maintains a strong position on the application of artificial intelligence in books.”

“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 said.

“Nevertheless, the rules apply equally to every participant, no matter their standing, and must be enforced uniformly.”

The decision to amend the artificial intelligence guidelines was driven by a desire to support the artistic and intellectual property interests of the nation's writers and illustrators, she added.

“With artificial intelligence advancing, the trust may need to review and refine these criteria in the future.”

Publishing Reflections

The publisher noted that publishers and writers regularly use 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 been jurors for categories of the prizes, and both emphasized that covers get little consideration during evaluation.

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

The use of artificial intelligence in artistic fields has encountered increasing examination as the tech advances, with some groups developing ways to counter its impact.