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Two award-winning New Zealand writers have had their books disqualified from consideration for the nation's prestigious literature prize because of the use of artificial intelligence in designing their book covers.

Exclusion Details

The author's story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's short novel set "Angel Train" were entered for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel prize in October, but were ruled out the next month because of new rules regarding artificial intelligence usage.

The publishing house of the two books, Quentin Wilson, stated that the prize committee amended the guidelines in the eighth month, by which point the cover designs for all entered title would have already been completed.

“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 organizers, stating she shares serious worries 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.”

Johnson added that authors typically have minimal involvement in cover artwork and was did not know artificial intelligence had been used for her book cover, which features a cat with human-like teeth.

“I just thought it was a photograph of a real cat and the teeth had been superimposed, but apparently it wasn’t,” the author said, noting that unlike younger age groups, she finds it difficult to recognize AI-generated graphics.

Johnson feared that the public might think she employed artificial intelligence to write her book, which she categorically denied.

“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 expressed that the designers devoted considerable time creating her book's art, which includes a locomotive and an celestial figure “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by painter Marc Chagall's figures.

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

Award Trust's Position

The trust chair, head of the book awards trust that oversees the prizes, affirmed the organization maintains a “firm stance on the use of AI in publications.”

“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 revise the artificial intelligence guidelines was driven by a aim to protect the creative and intellectual property interests of the country's writers and illustrators, she added.

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

Industry Considerations

Wilson noted that publishing houses and authors often employ tools like Grammarly and Photoshop, which utilize artificial intelligence, and this situation underscored the urgent need for well-defined guidelines.

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

Both Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past been jurors for sections of the prizes, and both emphasized that cover designs get little attention during evaluation.

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

The application of artificial intelligence in creative sectors has encountered increasing scrutiny as the technology advances, with some organizations developing ways to counter its influence.