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A pair of award-winning New Zealand writers have had their books disqualified from contention for the country's esteemed literary prize due to the use of artificial intelligence in designing their book covers.

Disqualification Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's short novel set "Angel Train" were submitted for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar fiction award in October, but were ruled out the next month because of recently introduced guidelines concerning artificial intelligence use.

The publishing house of the two books, Quentin Wilson, stated that the prize organizers amended the criteria in August, by which time the covers for every entered title would have already been finalized.

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

Writers' Reactions

The author voiced understanding for the award organizers, saying she shares deep concerns about AI in creative industries, but was let down by the ruling.

“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.”

Johnson further stated that writers typically have little input in cover artwork and was unaware AI had been used 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,” the author said, noting that unlike more tech-savvy generations, she finds it difficult to identify AI-generated graphics.

Johnson feared that readers might think she employed artificial intelligence to write her book, which she categorically 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 statement, Elizabeth Smither said that the designers spent considerable time creating her publication's art, which includes a steam train and an celestial figure “half-obscured in the smoke”, influenced by painter the artist's imagery.

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

Prize Trust's Position

Nicola Legat, chair of the award foundation that administers the Ockham awards, said the organization takes a strong position on the application of artificial intelligence 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 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 criteria was driven by a aim to protect the artistic and copyright rights of the nation's authors and illustrators, she added.

“As AI evolves, there may well be a need for the trust to revisit and develop the criteria further.”

Publishing Considerations

Wilson pointed out that publishing houses and authors often employ tools like Grammarly and Photoshop, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this incident underscored the pressing need for well-defined policies.

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

Both Elizabeth Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past been jurors for categories of the Ockham awards, and both emphasized that covers receive little consideration during judging.

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

The use of artificial intelligence in artistic sectors has faced growing examination as the technology progresses, with some organizations creating ways to address its influence.