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A pair of acclaimed New Zealand writers have had their books disqualified from consideration for the country's prestigious literature prize because of the use of AI in designing their book covers.

Disqualification Details

Stephanie Johnson's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's novella set "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 literary prizes and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar fiction prize in October, but were ruled out the next thirty days because of new rules regarding artificial intelligence usage.

The publisher of the two books, Quentin Wilson, explained that the prize organizers amended the criteria in August, by which point the covers for every entered title would have previously been completed.

“It was, therefore, far too late for any publisher to have taken this clause into account in their design briefs,” the publisher said.

Writers' Responses

The author expressed understanding for the prize administrators, stating she shares deep concerns about artificial intelligence in creative industries, but was disappointed by the ruling.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it,” she remarked. “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 typically have little input in cover design and was did not know AI had been employed for her cover, which displays 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 more tech-savvy age groups, she struggles to identify AI-generated images.

The writer feared that the public might assume she used AI to write her work, which she categorically did not do.

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

In a comment, Smither expressed that the artists spent hours creating her book's cover, which includes a locomotive and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, influenced by painter Marc Chagall's figures.

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

Prize Trust's Position

Nicola Legat, chair of the award foundation that oversees the Ockham awards, affirmed the organization maintains a strong position on the application 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 move to amend the artificial intelligence guidelines was motivated by a desire to support the creative and intellectual property interests of the nation's writers and artists, she added.

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

Publishing Considerations

Wilson pointed out that publishing houses and authors often use software like Grammarly and image editors, which incorporate AI, and this situation highlighted 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 Ockham awards, and both stressed that cover designs receive little attention during evaluation.

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

The application of artificial intelligence in creative fields has faced growing scrutiny as the technology advances, with some groups developing ways to counter its influence.