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Two acclaimed New Zealand authors have had their books disqualified from consideration for the nation's prestigious literature prize due to the utilization of artificial intelligence in creating their book covers.

Disqualification Particulars

The author's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's novella collection "Angel Train" were entered for the 2026 Ockham literary prizes and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar fiction award in October, but were ruled out the next month due to new rules concerning AI use.

The publishing house of the two titles, Quentin Wilson, stated that the prize committee updated the guidelines in August, by which point the cover designs for all entered book 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,” Wilson said.

Writers' Responses

Johnson voiced understanding for the award administrators, saying she shares deep concerns about artificial intelligence in artistic fields, but was let down 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 further stated that authors usually have minimal input in cover artwork and was did not know AI had been used for her book cover, which displays a feline with human-like teeth.

“I believed it was an actual cat photo with superimposed teeth, but that was not the case,” the author said, adding that unlike younger age groups, she struggles to identify computer-created images.

The writer worried that the public might think she used artificial intelligence to compose her book, which she emphatically denied.

“Rather than discussing my book's themes and inspirations, we're focused on this AI issue, which I despise.”

In a statement, Smither expressed that the designers spent considerable time creating her book's art, which features a steam train and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by painter the artist's imagery.

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

Award Committee's Position

The trust chair, chair of the award foundation that administers the prizes, affirmed the trust takes a strong position 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,” she stated.

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

The move 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.

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

Industry Reflections

Wilson pointed out that publishers and writers often employ software like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which utilize AI, and this incident underscored the pressing requirement for carefully crafted guidelines.

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

Both Smither and Stephanie Johnson have previously served as judges for categories of the prizes, and both emphasized that cover designs receive minimal consideration during evaluation.

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

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