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A pair of award-winning New Zealand authors have had their books disqualified from consideration for the nation's esteemed literary award due to the utilization of AI in designing their book covers.

Disqualification Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's short novel set "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its NZ$65,000 fiction award in October, but were disqualified the next month due to new rules regarding artificial intelligence use.

The publishing house of both books, Quentin Wilson, explained that the prize organizers amended the guidelines in August, by which time the cover designs for every 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 said.

Authors' Responses

The author expressed understanding for the award administrators, stating she has serious worries about artificial intelligence in artistic industries, but was let down by the decision.

“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.”

She added that authors typically have minimal input in cover artwork and was did not know artificial intelligence had been used for her book cover, which displays a feline 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,” Johnson explained, noting that unlike younger age groups, she struggles to recognize computer-created graphics.

Johnson feared that readers 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, Elizabeth Smither said that the artists devoted hours crafting her book's cover, which includes a locomotive and an angel partially hidden by smoke, influenced by artist the artist's imagery.

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

Award Trust's Stance

The trust chair, chair of the book awards trust that administers the Ockham awards, affirmed the organization maintains a strong position on the use of AI 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,” Legat said.

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

The move to amend the AI guidelines was driven by a desire to protect the artistic and intellectual property interests of the nation's writers and illustrators, she explained.

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

Industry Considerations

The publisher pointed out that publishers and authors often employ software like Grammarly and Photoshop, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this incident highlighted the pressing need for carefully crafted guidelines.

“Our industry must collaborate to prevent a recurrence of this scenario.”

Both Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past served as judges for sections of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that covers get minimal attention during evaluation.

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

The application of AI in creative fields has encountered growing examination as the tech advances, with some organizations creating ways to counter its influence.