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A pair of acclaimed Kiwi writers have had their works disqualified from consideration for the nation's prestigious literary award due to the utilization of AI in creating their book covers.

Exclusion Particulars

The author's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's short novel set "Angel Train" were entered for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its NZ$65,000 novel prize in the tenth month, but were ruled out the following month due to new guidelines regarding AI usage.

The publishing house of both books, Quentin Wilson, explained that the awards committee amended the guidelines in August, by which time the covers for every entered title would have previously been finalized.

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

Authors' Responses

Johnson expressed understanding for the prize administrators, saying she has deep concerns about artificial intelligence 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 further stated that authors usually have little input in cover design and was did not know artificial intelligence had been employed for her cover, which displays a cat with human teeth.

“I just thought it was a photograph of a real cat and the teeth had been superimposed, but apparently it wasn’t,” the author said, noting that unlike more tech-savvy generations, she finds it difficult to identify computer-created graphics.

The writer feared that readers might assume she employed AI to compose 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, Elizabeth Smither expressed that the artists devoted hours creating her publication's cover, which features a steam train and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by painter Marc Chagall's imagery.

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

Prize Trust's Stance

Nicola Legat, head of the award foundation that oversees the Ockham awards, said the trust maintains a strong position on the use of artificial intelligence in books.”

“We do not make such a decision lightly, one that bars the newest works by two of New Zealand's most respected authors from the 2026 prize,” she said.

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

The decision to revise the AI guidelines was driven by a desire to support the artistic and intellectual property rights of the nation's authors and artists, she added.

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

Publishing Reflections

Wilson pointed out that publishing houses and authors often use tools like grammar checkers and image editors, which utilize artificial intelligence, and this incident highlighted the pressing need for carefully crafted 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 prizes, and both emphasized that cover designs get minimal consideration during judging.

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

The application of AI in artistic sectors has encountered increasing scrutiny as the technology advances, with some organizations creating ways to counter its influence.