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Two award-winning Kiwi writers have had their books excluded from contention for the country's prestigious literary prize because of the use of AI in creating their book covers.

Disqualification Particulars

The author's story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's short novel collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar fiction award in the tenth month, but were ruled out the following month because of new rules concerning artificial intelligence usage.

The publishing house of both titles, Quentin Wilson, explained that the prize organizers updated the criteria in August, by which time the covers for every entered title would have previously been completed.

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

Authors' Reactions

The author expressed understanding for the award administrators, saying she shares 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 further stated that authors typically have little involvement in book design and was unaware AI had been used for her cover, which features 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,” the author said, noting that unlike younger generations, she finds it difficult to identify AI-generated graphics.

The writer feared that readers might assume she used artificial intelligence to write 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 statement, Elizabeth Smither said that the designers devoted considerable time creating her publication's cover, which includes a steam train and an celestial figure “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by artist the artist's imagery.

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

Prize Trust's Stance

Nicola Legat, head of the book awards trust that administers the Ockham awards, said the trust takes a “firm stance on the use of AI in publications.”

“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 amend the AI guidelines was driven by a aim to support the artistic and intellectual property interests of the nation'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 noted that publishers and writers often use software like Grammarly and image editors, which utilize artificial intelligence, and this situation underscored the pressing need for carefully crafted policies.

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

Both Smither and Johnson have previously served as judges for categories of the prizes, and both stressed that cover designs receive little attention during evaluation.

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

The use of artificial intelligence in creative sectors has faced growing scrutiny as the tech progresses, with some organizations creating ways to address its impact.