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A pair of acclaimed New Zealand authors have had their books disqualified from contention for the nation's esteemed literary award due to the utilization of artificial intelligence in creating their book covers.

Disqualification Details

The author's story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's short novel set "Angel Train" were submitted for the 2026 Ockham literary prizes and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel award in the tenth month, but were ruled out the next month due to recently introduced rules concerning artificial intelligence use.

The publisher of both books, the publisher, stated that the prize organizers amended the criteria in August, by which point the covers for all entered 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 said.

Authors' Reactions

The author voiced understanding for the prize administrators, stating she shares deep concerns about AI in artistic fields, but was disappointed by the decision.

“It would be untrue to claim I am not upset by this,” she commented. “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 writers usually have minimal input in cover design and was unaware AI had been employed for her book cover, which displays a cat with human dentition.

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

Johnson worried that the public might think she used artificial intelligence to write her work, which she emphatically 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 expressed that the designers spent hours creating her book's art, which features a locomotive and an angel partially hidden by smoke, influenced by artist Marc Chagall's imagery.

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

Award Trust's Position

The trust chair, head of the award foundation that oversees the Ockham awards, affirmed the trust maintains a strong position on the use 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 stated.

“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 aim to protect the artistic and intellectual property interests of the country's writers and artists, she explained.

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

Publishing Considerations

The publisher noted that publishing houses and writers often use software like Grammarly and Photoshop, which incorporate AI, and this situation underscored the pressing need for well-defined policies.

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

Both Smither and Johnson have previously been jurors for sections of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that covers receive little consideration during evaluation.

“The text itself and its detailed analysis were all that mattered,” Smither said.

The application of artificial intelligence in artistic sectors has faced increasing examination as the tech advances, with some organizations developing ways to address its influence.