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Two acclaimed New Zealand authors have had their works excluded from contention for the nation's esteemed literature prize due to the use of artificial intelligence in creating their book covers.

Exclusion Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's short novel set "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 literary prizes and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel award in October, but were disqualified the next thirty days because of new rules regarding artificial intelligence use.

The publisher of the two titles, Quentin Wilson, stated that the prize committee updated the criteria in August, by which point the covers for all entered title would have already been finalized.

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

Writers' Reactions

Johnson voiced understanding for the award administrators, saying she shares serious worries about AI in creative fields, but was disappointed by the ruling.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it,” she commented. “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 added that writers usually 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 teeth.

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

Johnson feared that the public might assume 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, Smither said that the artists spent considerable time crafting her publication's art, which features a steam train and an celestial figure “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by artist Marc Chagall's figures.

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

Award Trust's Position

The trust chair, chair of the award foundation that oversees the prizes, affirmed the organization maintains a strong position on the use 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 desire to support the creative and copyright rights of the nation's authors and artists, she added.

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

Industry Considerations

Wilson pointed out that publishing houses and authors often employ tools like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which incorporate AI, and this incident highlighted the urgent requirement for well-defined guidelines.

“As an industry, we must work together to ensure that this situation does not happen again.”

Both Elizabeth Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past served as judges for categories of the Ockham awards, and both emphasized that covers receive minimal attention during evaluation.

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

The application of artificial intelligence in artistic sectors has encountered growing scrutiny as the technology advances, with some organizations creating ways to address its influence.