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A pair of acclaimed Kiwi authors have had their works excluded from consideration for the country's prestigious literary prize because of the use of AI in designing their cover art.

Exclusion Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's short novel set "Angel Train" were entered for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its NZ$65,000 novel award in October, but were ruled out the next thirty days due to new guidelines concerning artificial intelligence usage.

The publisher of the two titles, the publisher, explained that the awards committee updated the guidelines in the eighth month, by which point the covers for every entered title would have already been completed.

“Consequently, it was much too late for publishers to incorporate this new rule into their design plans,” Wilson noted.

Writers' Reactions

Johnson expressed understanding for the prize organizers, stating she has serious worries about artificial intelligence in artistic fields, but was disappointed by the decision.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it,” 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 little input in cover design and was did not know artificial intelligence had been used for her cover, which features a feline with human 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 finds it difficult to recognize computer-created images.

The writer feared that the public might assume she used 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 comment, Smither expressed that the designers devoted considerable time crafting her book's art, which features a steam train and an celestial figure partially hidden by smoke, inspired by artist the artist's figures.

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

Prize Committee's Stance

Nicola Legat, chair of the book awards trust that administers the Ockham awards, affirmed the trust 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.

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

The move to amend the artificial intelligence guidelines was motivated by a aim to support the artistic and intellectual property rights of the nation's writers and artists, she explained.

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

Publishing Considerations

The publisher pointed out that publishing houses and writers regularly use tools like Grammarly and Photoshop, which incorporate AI, and this incident underscored the urgent requirement for carefully crafted guidelines.

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

Both Elizabeth Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past served as judges for sections of the prizes, and both emphasized that cover designs receive minimal attention during judging.

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

The application of AI in creative sectors has faced growing scrutiny as the technology advances, with some groups developing methods to counter its influence.