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Two award-winning New Zealand writers have had their books disqualified from contention for the country's prestigious literary prize due to the use of artificial intelligence in creating their cover art.

Exclusion Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's novella set "Angel Train" were entered for the 2026 Ockham literary prizes and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel award in the tenth month, but were disqualified the following month because of new rules regarding artificial intelligence usage.

The publisher of both titles, Quentin Wilson, explained that the awards organizers updated the guidelines in August, by which point the cover designs for all submitted title would have already been completed.

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

Writers' Reactions

The author voiced sympathy for the prize organizers, stating she shares serious worries about AI in creative fields, but was disappointed 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.”

Johnson further stated that authors usually have little input in cover design and was did not know artificial intelligence had been used for her cover, which displays a cat 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 younger generations, she struggles to identify AI-generated images.

Johnson feared that readers might think 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 said that the designers devoted hours crafting her publication's art, which includes a steam train and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by artist Marc Chagall's imagery.

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

Award Committee's Stance

Nicola Legat, head of the award foundation that administers the prizes, affirmed the trust takes a “firm stance 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 stated.

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

The move to revise the AI guidelines was motivated by a aim to support the creative and copyright interests of the country's authors and artists, she explained.

“As AI evolves, there may well be a need for the trust to revisit and develop the criteria further.”

Industry Considerations

The publisher pointed out that publishing houses and authors regularly use software like grammar checkers and image editors, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this situation underscored the pressing need for carefully crafted guidelines.

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

Both Smither and Johnson have previously been jurors for categories of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that covers get minimal consideration during judging.

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

The application of AI in creative fields has faced increasing scrutiny as the technology advances, with some groups developing ways to counter its impact.