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Two award-winning New Zealand authors have had their works excluded from contention for the country's esteemed literary prize because of the use of AI in designing their book covers.

Exclusion Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's novella collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the 2026 Ockham literary prizes and its NZ$65,000 novel prize in October, but were ruled out the following thirty days due to new rules regarding artificial intelligence use.

The publisher of both books, Quentin Wilson, stated that the awards committee amended the criteria in the eighth month, by which time the covers for all entered book would have previously been finalized.

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

Authors' Reactions

The author voiced understanding for the prize administrators, saying she shares deep concerns about AI in artistic industries, but was disappointed by the ruling.

“It would be untrue to claim I am not upset by this,” 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 authors typically have minimal input in cover artwork and was did not know artificial intelligence had been employed for her 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, noting that unlike more tech-savvy age groups, she struggles to identify AI-generated graphics.

Johnson worried that readers might assume she employed AI to compose her work, 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 comment, Smither expressed that the designers devoted considerable time creating her publication's art, which features a locomotive and an celestial figure partially hidden by 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.

Prize Committee's Stance

Nicola Legat, head of the award foundation that oversees the Ockham awards, affirmed the trust maintains a strong position on the application 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 AI guidelines was motivated by a aim to protect the artistic and intellectual property rights of the country's authors and artists, she explained.

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

Publishing Reflections

Wilson noted that publishers and authors regularly use tools like grammar checkers and image editors, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this situation underscored the pressing requirement for well-defined policies.

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

Both Smither and Johnson have previously served as judges for sections of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that cover designs receive minimal attention during judging.

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

The use of AI in artistic sectors has encountered growing examination as the tech progresses, with some organizations developing methods to address its influence.