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A pair of acclaimed Kiwi authors have had their books disqualified from consideration for the nation's esteemed literature prize because of the utilization of AI in designing their cover art.

Disqualification Details

The author's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's short novel collection "Angel Train" were entered for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar fiction prize in October, but were disqualified the following month due to recently introduced rules regarding artificial intelligence usage.

The publisher of both titles, Quentin Wilson, stated that the prize organizers updated the criteria in the eighth month, by which time the cover designs for all submitted book 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,” the publisher said.

Writers' Reactions

The author voiced understanding for the prize administrators, saying she shares 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 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 usually have little input in cover design and was did not know artificial intelligence had been employed for her book cover, which features a feline with human-like teeth.

“I believed it was an actual cat photo with superimposed teeth, but that was not the case,” Johnson explained, adding that unlike younger age groups, she struggles to recognize computer-created graphics.

Johnson worried that readers might think she employed artificial intelligence to write her book, which she categorically did not do.

“Rather than discussing my book's themes and inspirations, we're focused on this AI issue, which I despise.”

In a statement, Smither said that the artists devoted considerable time creating her publication's cover, which features a steam train and an celestial figure partially hidden by smoke, influenced by artist Marc Chagall's figures.

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

Prize Committee's Position

The trust chair, head of the book awards trust that oversees the prizes, said 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,” Legat said.

“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 desire to protect the artistic and intellectual property rights of the country's writers and illustrators, she added.

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

Publishing Considerations

The publisher pointed out that publishing houses and writers regularly employ software like Grammarly and Photoshop, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this incident highlighted the urgent need for well-defined guidelines.

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

Both Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past been jurors for sections of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that cover designs get little attention during judging.

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

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