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Two award-winning Kiwi writers have had their works disqualified from contention for the nation's prestigious literary prize because of the utilization of AI in designing their cover art.

Disqualification Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's novella set "Angel Train" were submitted for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its NZ$65,000 novel prize in October, but were ruled out the next month because of recently introduced rules regarding artificial intelligence usage.

The publisher of both books, the publisher, explained that the awards organizers updated the criteria in August, by which time the covers for all submitted title would have previously been finalized.

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

Writers' Reactions

The author expressed understanding for the prize organizers, stating she has serious worries about AI in creative fields, but was let down by the decision.

“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 involvement in book artwork and was unaware AI had been employed for her book cover, which displays a feline with human dentition.

“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 generations, she struggles to identify computer-created images.

Johnson worried that readers might think she used artificial intelligence to compose her work, 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, Elizabeth Smither said that the artists devoted considerable time crafting her publication's cover, which features a steam train and an angel partially hidden by smoke, inspired by artist Marc Chagall's figures.

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

Award Committee's Stance

Nicola Legat, head of the book awards trust that administers the Ockham awards, said 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,” she said.

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

The decision to revise the artificial intelligence guidelines was driven by a desire to protect the artistic and intellectual property interests 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 noted that publishing houses and authors regularly employ tools like Grammarly and image editors, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this incident underscored the pressing requirement for carefully crafted guidelines.

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

Both Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past served as judges for categories of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that cover designs get minimal attention during judging.

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

The application of AI in creative sectors has faced growing examination as the tech advances, with some groups creating ways to counter its influence.